small block imbalance? what is the superior way to go?

Ive been told (on this very forum) that the 28oz imbalance is desirable for high performance applications (drag racing) WHAT would it take to convert a 5.0 (1989 gt) engine to the early imbalance?

Right now ive got a 1970 302 & 1991 AOD, so ive got the 28oz harmonic balancer & the proper AOD (28oz)flexplate.

I want to change to a 1989 5.0 roller engine and retain the flexplate and harmonic balancer that is in my car. Would it simply be a matter of removing material from the crankshaft to comply with the smaller imbalance? I wouldn't expect the pistons and/or rods to be affected other than needing balancing with the rest of components?

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 67fastback on 1/18/04 2:58pm ]</font>

Why not just use the older 28oz crank in the newer block? You wont have a one piece seal, but I believe it would work.

Actually I asked that question (or its oppoiste) here.

http://www.fordmuscle.com/phpBB/view...48&amp;forum=1

I was told:

"The rear seal is different between the 289 (two piece) and the roller motors(one piece).I'm not sure if the cranks are interchangeable without some machine work.You'd be better off using a pre-81 302 crank so that it is basically the same as the 289.I don't think its worth the hassle unless your after every last ounce of torque you can get."

I though you said you had a 302 crank???

I'd double check with a machine shop, but I was under the impression that an early crank can go into a 5.0 block.

All aftermarket sbf stroker cranks say they will fit either blocks with either seal.

Yes the 302 engine is in it now.
The car came with a 289, the engine I asked a previous question about. However, the question would still valid if I were talking about the 289 or 302, which share the lighter imbalance, and machining for seals.

I was wondering if the 5.0 crank can be used with the lighter imbalance; can the machine shop simply remove more material when balancing the crank, conn rods, pistons, flexplate, and harmonic balancer?

Since balance work has to be done anyway?

I would like to keep the 302 together; its a good reliable engine, but lacks enough power to satisfy. It works so well that It would be a shame to steal parts out of it (5,000 miles on it) for another project!

Thanks

Sorry for not answering your question, I was trying to save you money on the balance job.

Yes they can balance the 50oz crank with the 28oz damper and such. It just might cost you more than average for the extra time it will take them to do it.

To continue the discussion about putting a earlier 302 crank in a late model 5.0, I am in the process of doing that. My local machine shop said it is possible and all he had to really do was grind down the oil ridge, which sits in front of the rear oil seal. He says he has done this before so I hope he is right. I was going to do this just so I could use my existing '77 rotating assembly, but after doing research and talking to the machine shop, I found out this is a profitable way to go. The crank is some what stronger, the balancing is better, and the rods are stronger.