Hello, BushyTea- just my two cents opine- 302 'ok' with some power upgrades.
My choice is with a 300-350 hp range 351W- noticeable torque improvement over 302 and lighter than big blocks. Same engine stands as 302.
My 'ol Blue' '65 has been with me since 1970- stock was 352, then mod 352, then 390 GT, then stock 390, back to 390GT, then to warmed up 460, & finally & lastly to mild '70-351W.
Again, noticeable weight reduction to steering/front-end.
Most fun, though, was 390GT- sweet!! - I used to spot other trucks hi-line poles rather than truck lengths- john

 

Thanks for the plate decode SuperSabre. It is greatly appreciated. The truck looks to still have the factory 9" rear end in it so I am probably working with the 3.70 gears.

So that being said, would the set of 3.70's work best with the 302 vs. the 460 with a C6 auto trans?

Hi 50sFever. I thought about doing a 390 but I have not seen one available in my area. The 460 just happens to be in a cheap enough truck to make it possibly worth the swap if the fire didn't damage anything of extreme importance. I was always content when I was informed it was the 351W so to find out it is a 302 was a bit of a let down. However, if the 302 will do what I need it to then it may not be so bad.

 

I think a 302 would work for you, especially with the rear gear ratio. Your pickup is not all that heavy and it should be pretty peppy. And if not there a lots of performance parts available.
Another issue is handling; a light engine, like the 302 puts less weight on the front end creating a better balanced vehicle. Add a sway bar, good shocks and hang a little ballast under the rear bumper and platform hitch for towing(Easylift).
If you can, find a lineup shop that can bend the front axles for alignment. My 78 van scrubbed tires until that was done.

When I was logging in NW Oregon my new 1966 Ford F100 was terrible on logging roads until I hung about 160 lbs. under the step bumper.

It sound to me that you have a pretty good setup.

 

Thanks everyone for your advice and information. After much advice and research I think I am with a few of you. The 302 with the C6 and 3.70 gears will be the best setup at the moment and tow/haul whatever I need. Maybe down the road I will look into a more modern swap with fuel injection or something like that but for now this should work.

I need to redo the exhaust so I think I gain gain a little power there and then see if I can find a set of good headers that will fit without having to mod to much.

Thanks everyone.