Hello, I currently have a 1969 f100 shortbed stepside with a 300 inline 6 and standard 4spd transmission, and I plan on swapping it for either a 302 or 351w with an automatic transmission. Any thoughts? Also what would be neccesary for this (engine mounts, radiator, etc?). Any info helps thank you!

 

I have a 302 in my Bronco and I've had 351s in a couple of trucks. Personally I wouldn't choose a 302 for much of anything. I know it can be built to be a good high rpm / high hp engine. But it'll never touch the low end of either a 300 or a 351, and a 351 can easily beat it at the top end too. If I was going to go to the effort to put in a V8 I'd go with the 351.

Sorry, I don't know any specific details about what you'll need to change.

 

I suspect the swap requirements will be similar to those for a later truck, you will need to change the towers the engine mounts attach to, trans cross member, rad and hoses, and the steering column if you want to use a column shifter.

 

Thanks for the info! Do you know the approximate price difference between 302 and 351? Also do perches from a 302 work for a 351? If so would I need v8 perches from the 1967-72 series f100 or would any other donors work?

 

Both motors are very common in '80s and '90s trucks and similar in price and yes both motors use the same engine mounts. I don't know if windsor v8's were an option in these trucks and if not you may have some fabrication to do.

 

You can use the same engine perches but your engine will sit 1" higher. Go find some old 302 engine perches from any truck starting in 1969 to... whatever year they stopped using it in trucks. 1965-1979 2WD frames are the same from the rear of the cab forward. Driver's side perch is different depending on if it's manual or power steering.

As for what engine, get a 351. No doubt about it.

 

I did the same swap on my 69 short bed in 1985. If you try to use the I6 mount stands the engine is to far forward and you throw off the trans mount location and the driveshaft length. Get a set of stands from a 70-72 that came with a SB. and everything will line up.

There were two radiators used with the I6. One was the std. with two rows of flues and the other a HD Towing package radiator with three flues. If you have the two flue type you can have a radiator shop install the three flue core because the tanks are the same on both. It will overheat with the two flue and is fine with the three flue. I did this in '85 and never had a problem even in city traffic. I also use an electric fan because the fan blade was so far from the radiator and there was no shroud I could find that would fit.

You can't use the V8 radiator in your truck without changing the radiator support.

They other minor issue I remember is that the throttle linkage is on the wrong side of the carb for a V8. I modified mine, but if you get the engine stands off a donor get the throttle linkage off the firewall too. Saves a little trouble.

Hope this helps.