Hello all, I am about to show my lack of knowledge here...I have a 1983 ford f150 4X4 that had a 302 in it. I am having a 351W being rebuilt right now to replace the 302. I am having someone remove and replace the engine for me since it is in NM and I am in MS. The person who sold me the 351W (also the one doing the R&R) wants to keep the 4 bbl carb that the 351W had on it and put the 2 bbl from the 302 that was on the truck on the 351 with an adapter, my question...Is this possible? and how will the engine run until I can get a 4 bbl carb, or do I need a 4 bbl carb?

 

It's not worth the trouble to rig the 2bbl on the engine. The simplest thing to do if you have the money is to put a brand new 600cfm Holley or edelbrock on the intake and be done. They will bolt right on.

Spacers do not work very well. Where did the 2bbl come from(You said 302 but is it some used carbed with old fuel sitting in it?).

 

The 2bbl is coming from the 302, he is putting a carburetor kit on it. It just didn't sound right, but I am learning as I go and will go pick it up in June. I need it to be road worthy for the trip from NM to MS...about 1100 miles.

 

I concur. I would go with a good used (or new if budget allows) 600 cfm carb. Just my opinion, but it would be a much better option, especially if a road trip is imminent.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I am going to start looking around for a new/used carb to see if I can afford it. Just so I understand, it can be done it just won't work very well...does this mean that it may leave me beside the road somewhere or it will get crappy (worse than it already will) MPG? Should I delay the trip until I get a 4 bbl?

 

Just go to your local store, and look on the Mr Gasket rack over in the corner where they sell chrome valve covers and other stuff. They usually have the carb adapters hanging over there on the rack. Take a look at how it works and how the air has to go through it, and you will get the idea that it will work, but it's not the best.

 

If the 302 carb is rebuilt/adjusted properly there is no reason it would be unreliable, but it just won't be able to deliver the power that the correct carb/manifold would because of the air restrictions that both the adapter, & the smaller carb will create.

Having said that, one of my trucks had a 302 replaced with a 351w, & the original 302 carb (2 barrel) was reused.
It gave good mpg (best of 17.5..........once!) & ran fine for normal driving......but above 3000 rpm it began to strangle a bit.

 

I understand now. Thank you for your all's advise. I used to hate working on cars but now that I got Dad's truck I can't wait to get my hands dirty, almost like an obsession. Maybe I should have listened more as a teenager instead of waiting till my mid forties!! LOL! Thanks again guys!

 

Got it, thank you! I understand.