So, I'm swapping my old 302 for a new 302 ("5.0"), and the new engine had a flywheel, which is bad news since I have an automatic (well, for now, but a tranny swap is for another day) I've heard there are flexplates out there that bolt onto the the older transmissions but have the 50 oz. balance for the newer engines. I have both the newer starter and the original starter which both work. So, the (two-part) question is: Which starter should I use and what are the specifications of the flexplate that will work with that starter, the old transmission and the newer (50 oz) engine?
Use the same starter with the transmission you're going to run. As for the flexplate, you need the same size plate (tooth count) in a 50 oz/in balance. If you have a 157 tooth flexplate, the 50 oz/in unit is an aftermarket only item. TCI and B&M make these.
flexplate TCI part #529610 is what i used on my 5.0 based 347, its a 157 tooth 50oz balance for a 10 1/2 converter bolt pattern
