Yes after 2 months of research I have found a way to install a T-5 behind the 3.8 in my 1984 Mustang. You may ask why not install a V-8. I wanted to try something different and since most of my driving is in town, for fuel mileage.
My research:
I purchased several mid 80's 3.8 automatic flexplates off of ebay for next to nothing, removed and weighed the counterweights. 3.8 C-5 Flexplates use a weight of 5.4 oz . 3.8 AOD flexplates use a weight of 5.0 oz. SInce all the 83-87 3.8s used the same crankshafts (except for the oil slinger provision on the 83), pistons, connecting rods and dampners, I figured the imbalance had to same. After e-mailing a tech at SPEC clutches I found that early 302 and 351W with 28 oz imbalance used a 5 oz weight at the flywheel. I also confirmed this by removing and checking a weight off an early 302 flexplate. Since the early 3.8s used in 82-83 F100 trucks used the same 164t flywheel that 351W used I knew I was onto something. The only problem was that the 3.8 crankshaft was drilled for M10 bolts and the SBF cranks are drilled for 7/16" bolts. The flywheel holes were going to be a little too big. I am currently trying to find a flywheel company to make a 28 oz imbalance flywheel drilled for M10 bolts. To complete my project I decided to use an inexpensive Hawk's racing SBF 28 oz imbalance flywheel to see if it would run right. Finished the project Sunday night and test drove the car. Engine runs great, actually a little smoother than with the C-5.
The only problem is the CFI computer is still trying to compensate the idle for an automatic transmission. That will be corrected when I switch to a 2 barrel carb this weekend.
Parts List:
Hawk's Racing Flywheel from TMD on ebay
ATP ZX-102 Flywheel bolts from rockauto.com
T-5 V-8 bellhousing and block plate
T-5 4 cylinder transmission from 89 Mustang GT that was totaled. How it got a 4 cylinder T-5 is unknown.
BCA 202 pilot bearing.
Driveshaft from same 89 mustang (C-5 driveshaft was too long)
Clutch pedal assembly and Aluminum quadrant from same 89 mustang
Ford racing adjustable clutch cable.
5.0 Clutch set
I hope this helps anyone interested. While I don't know what the long term durability is, right now it is alot more fun to drive.
Dan
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