The V8 Clutch Or Lack There Of

Hello and welcome to Stangnet!

It looks like the kit that you linked will work, but it's hard to tell. To the best of my knowledge, all V8 4 speed IIs from 75-78 used the same flywheel and clutch assembly. I believe most 10 spline 10" clutch discs will work just fine, but the pressure plate is a II specific piece. It is the only piece in that kit that would determine if it will work for a II or not. Unfortunately, the II flywheel, pressure plate, and bell housing are not interchangeable with any other Ford that I am aware of. They are a bit smaller in diameter and the flywheel uses a few less teeth on the ring gear compared to other cars. I have heard that no one reproduces a pressure plate that work for our cars anymore, but this might be an exception....? If it is, it would be GREAT news!

I have also heard of some others having their flywheel re-drilled for a larger pressure plate. I believe the early eighties 5.0 clutches can work if done this way. There is a bit more to choose from for those cars. I can't speak to that with 100% certainty though - I still run the stock II flywheel and pressure plate in my car....

It is possible that someone had the flywheel rebalanced for the 50oz engine. It's been a while since I've looked at mine, I don't remember if mine has the same larger hole at 3 o'clock in your pic. There is definitely some research that needs to be done! As for scrapping the transmission - they aren't known for holding up to a strong 302 very well. If you want to keep the manual transmission, a T5 isn't a really hard swap. Many of us have done it and can give you a rundown on what you will need to do if you choose to go that route....