Technical 351 Windsor info

Need a source for a separation plate for 351 Windsor to M5R2 manual trans, please.

 

Plate would be the same as for 302/5.0 or 300/4.9 six, if that helps. Most were installed behind those engines in F150's or Econolines.

 

Are you referring to the sheet metal plate that goes between the block and the bellhousing? If so, just about any SBF V8 plate will do and it doesn't have to be for that specific trans if you're willing to make some minor mods. You could even use a C4/C6 plate. The only real differences are where the bell hangs below the block. Some are one piece (most manual applications), some two piece (most automatics) with a removable access panel. The lower bellhousing bolt holes below the block will vary in location according to the trans used, that's where any mods needed will be found.

Some 240/300 six plates will also work as they share the same bellhousing bolt pattern but be aware that Ford slightly relocated the starter on some of those and those will be more work than it's worth to use.

 

Let me check my pile of engine plates!, Might be a day or two.







Bones

 

To the best of my knowledge that trans only came with a 164 tooth flywheel. There are 2 plates, one for the 164 and 1 for the 153. Make sure you get the one for a 164. What I don't remember is that if the early auto trans one's have a different starter location than the late ones. As was stated, it you find one from a 300 with the same trans, it's the same plate.

 

Thanks.

 

Thank you.

 

Have you checked the dealer?

 

Jeg's has one that can be fit to both flexplate sizes.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60940/10002/-1

 

Yes, I did. The guy at the parts counter searched for quite awhile then told me what I was looking for was obsolete. I'm an old guy and I don't know why I was surprised. To me, an engine built 30 years ago qualifies as a late model

 

Thank you.

 

Why do you need one? I have been running an M5R2 behind a 351W for years and many thousands of miles with no plate between the engine block and trans bellhousing. Just check pilot bore depth so there is no hard interference.

 

Better yet, thanks! Does that leave the bottom of the bell housing open to road spray and such?

 

Ford used them for a reason. The M5OD-R2 was only sold behind the 300 I6 and the 302 V8. Never behind the 351W. Any parts house should be able to find one for either of these engines that came with that transmission. They are the same for either engine. They share the same bell housing pattern. You can certainly find one at a pick-n-pull. 4x2 or 4x4 will do.

 

It does, I fabricated a simple sheet metal cover.

 

Thank you

 

Not using the separator plate in a Ford can cause issues with having proper starter engagement.

 

Throw out bearing too.