It's not clear what it is that you dont' like about the 300. "guts" and "driveability" are pretty vague terms. I have had both also and though I could easily tell the difference (302 was an automatic) I didn't have a strong preference except that the 300 was a lot better off road. The 302 was more comfortable at higher speeds. (Mine were both short 150s)

 

well since everybody else feels the need to add their 2cents... My 2cents if you read back... The 302 is better at high rpms and good at top speeds on the hwy... Hmmm... Maybe there is a short in my head but when I think "TRUCK" I think hauling/towing something and 4x4 to get around off-road... I don't think: Hey I need to rev up my truck and race it down the hwy... That's what mustangs are for IMHO... Not to mention if you are using a truck for what they were built for... You want low end grunt and torque.

All in all IMO... 302's should be left in cars and 300's and 351w should be run in trucks!

 

I just hate that every thread where the 300 and 302 are even mentioned it turns into a 300 vs 302.

Man, it just shouldn't be that way.

I'm not pointing a finger at anyone. So far we're having a decent conversation. But if we're going to continue hi-jacking this poor fellow's thread, let's be sure to keep the comments intelligent and civil.

I for one wouldn't want to go toe to toe against a 302 in a pulling contest. I think even if I did win it wouldn't be by much. I certinally wouldn't want to race a 302. It's a great engine, one of Ford's best, just like the 300 is one of Ford's best. They're just not built or made or thought up for the same things.

I love the 300 and I wish I had a built one in my truck. Some days I do wish I had more horsepower. The added ability to easily get somewhere in a hurry would be nice. But I'm happy with the 300 as long as it's healthy.

The biggest thing is gearing. Do it wrong and you'll turn your 300 into a dog like I did. I can pull a house down now at 1,000 RPM - but don't expect me to get anywhere in a hurry past 30 miles an hour!

 

300 = 265ft. Torque.

302 = 210ft. Torque.

 

the six is a little torque monster!! love it but ive had a few too many problems with mine so im looking to go the reverse of what your doing 300 to 302

 

What problems did you have with your 300 other than burning a crap load of gas for no reason?

 

cracked a valve, then cracked the head, now i think the piston rings are going

 

Since when did torque over rule horsepower???? Just throwing that out there to see who can give the correct response.. :-)

 

Torque is what gets loads moving....

The 300 just does a better job at that than the 302.

 

How about this.... If you go by this, the 302 will pull better at highway speed, just not from a complete stop. Same thing your saying right?

 

That moves...

 

Mustangtj02, have you already found an engine, wiring harness, computer, etc. to do this swap? What's your location?

 

Comparing to nothing else, my experience with my 300, in low range, four wheel drive, with the NP435 in granny low can move just about anything at a low rate of speed. Boulders, other trucks and now I guess I have to try a house... (someone is going to be pissed.)

 

???, don't know where you got that figure but I'm used to seeing the 302 with 270 ft/lbs of torque at 2400 rpms, at least for my '92 engine. I could see earlier engines with slightly less torque than 270 but no way 210.

 

x2, there were dark days when the 302 couldn't pull grandma off the crapper, but for the most part, it nearly matched or outdid the 300. Not sure this is 100% but read it and weep:

Engine_Specifications

BUT BACK TO THE OP:

You have emissions testing in CT, right?

CT Emissions Program - Publications

I can't find and don't care to spend more time researching how picky they are on the inspection. Out here, an engine swap like this is going to get the red flags up and subject you to an even more detailed inspection and approval process. On the other side, if you don't get everything hooked up right, or don't match the OEM emissions specs, you may not pass.

FWIW, get another 302 and put it back the way it was. I'd tell you the same thing if you had a 300.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but watch yourself, you don't want to end up parked without registration or having to spend more money on this than necessary.