Ford V8 Windsor
Ford Windsor V8: Balance Type & Flywheel Tooth Count
|
Engine / Model |
Years |
Balance (Factory) |
Typical Flywheel Tooth Count |
Notes |
|
|
221 (3.6 L) |
1962–1963 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T |
Small‑block “early Windsor” V8; externally balanced with 28 oz‑type weights. |
|
|
260 (4.3 L) |
1962–1964 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T |
Shares similar balance pattern as 221; externally balanced crank. |
|
|
289 (4.7 L) |
1963–1968 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T |
Standard 289 also 28 oz external. |
|
|
289 High Performance / Cobra |
1967–1968 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T |
HP versions often had unique balancers but still external balance. |
|
|
302 (4.9 L) – early |
1968–1980 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T |
Classic “5.0” small block through 1980 used 28 oz external balance. |
|
|
302 (4.9 L) – later |
1981–2001 |
External balance (50 oz) |
157 T |
Ford changed to a 50 oz external balance on 302 starting ~1981; flywheel must match this weight. |
|
|
351W (Windsor) |
1969–1996 |
External balance (28 oz) |
164 T (commonly) |
351W almost always externally balanced with 28 oz; 164 T was common in many OEM bellhousing applications. |
|
|
351W (some early or special) |
1969–1970 |
External balance (28 oz) |
157 T* |
Some early or unique setups used 157 T ring gear with smaller bellhousing before wider adoption of 164 T—trans specific. |
|
|
Custom / Aftermarket Internally Balanced Cranks |
Any year |
Internal balance (0 oz) |
157 T or 164 T* |
Some aftermarket crankshafts are made internally balanced and require neutral flywheels regardless of year; flywheel tooth count still must match bellhousing/starter. |
|
*Notes:
- Ford’s factory **small‑block Windsor engines are externally balanced; true internal balance is a custom or aftermarket setup for racing or modified builds.
- The switch from 28 oz to 50 oz external balance for the 302 happened around the 1980‑81 model year; this changes flywheel and harmonic balancer requirements.
- Flywheel tooth count is primarily determined by the bellhousing and starter location — 157 T and 164 T are both used across years depending on transmission type and OEM configuration