How many teeth does a Ford 302 flywheel have?
The Ford 302 small-block’s standard manual‑transmission flywheel typically has 157 teeth. If your setup uses an automatic transmission, you don’t use a conventional flywheel but a flexplate, which is commonly 164 teeth; exact counts can vary by year and model, so it’s best to verify your specific part.
Manual transmissions: flywheel tooth count
In manual applications, the ring gear on the flywheel typically uses 157 teeth to mesh with the starter. This configuration is common on many 302 builds paired with T‑series or early 4‑speed manual transmissions.
- 157 teeth — the standard count for many Ford 302 small‑block flywheels used with manual transmissions (e.g., T‑5, T‑10, and similar).
Note: Some early or alternative setups may use slightly different counts; always verify with the exact flywheel you have by counting teeth or checking the part number for your specific build.
Automatics: flexplates and their tooth counts
Automatics use a flexplate instead of a flywheel. The flexplate ring gear on many 302s runs 164 teeth, which matches the starter gear for common Ford automatic transmissions such as C4, C6, AOD, and related units.
- 164 teeth — common for Ford automatic transmissions paired with the 302 small‑block (flexplate).
As with manual setups, there are occasional exceptions depending on the model year and transmission family. If unsure, verify by cross‑checking the part number or counting the ring gear teeth.
How to verify your exact count
If you need certainty, verify the exact tooth count on your engine by inspecting the flywheel or flexplate directly, or by checking the stamped part number and cross‑referencing Ford’s parts catalog.
- Safely access the flywheel or flexplate area after disconnecting the battery and supporting the engine as needed.
- Identify the ring gear and count the teeth around the gear that engages the starter, or locate the part number stamped on the plate.
- Cross‑reference the number with Ford’s official parts database or a trusted parts catalog to confirm the tooth count for your year/transmission combination.
Even if the numbers match, ensure the flywheel or flexplate suits your clutch and starter arrangement, as some combinations require precise tooth counts for proper engagement and timing.
Summary
In short, a typical Ford 302 manual‑transmission flywheel has 157 teeth, while automatics use a 164‑tooth flexplate. Always verify the exact count for your build, as variations exist by year, model, and transmission family.
