well my 92 f150 5.0 just slung a rod, and tore up the inside of my block, i just scored a 66 mustang 302 shortblock for 50 bucks (too cheap to pass up), my question is, will it work in my truck? i have everything else off my truck to put on the block, and am just curious if it will work, or if i will run into complications? the shortblock was rebuilt over a year ago, and some chevy guys just set it aside for a year, it needs cleaned up and all, but it is useable...

 

That's a pretty rare block as the 302 didn't come out until late in 1967 for the 1968 model year.

Check the casting number and date code above the starter. Illustrations and reasons why are here:

The Ford 289 and 302 Engine Block

If it is a 1966 block, it started life as a 289.

 

sure looks like i'll be checking the numbers today! i know they had the engine in a 66 mustang fastback, they claimed its a 302, and the factory engine... but theyre chevy guys, so im sure theyre not certain... they had all the parts there, intake, carb, heads and stuff on the floorboards, they pulled motor when they clipped the front apron to swap onto a built 68... brand new fmx tranny just layin out there in the junk pile, along with the block that i grabbed... pretty disappointing seeing this short block mounted on an engine stand pushed up to a junk pile outside in the country like that

 

ok, so come to find out its a 74 302 block (D4DE-6015-AA), with a 2mae crank (84-01?), and d1oe-aa rods (71-72 302), havent checked pistons yet... what the hell kind of mutt is this?! the whole short block has sat in the illinois weather for about a year, so its pretty rusted, ill be taking it to the shop to have it cleaned up, my question is, what are the years i can use for replacement rods, bearings and pistons and rings for this? and what size cam, which lifters and pushrods? the parts ive looked at specify for particular years, and i havent been very successful in locating the parts with confidence, the water jackets look pretty thin, so i'm assuming its been bored over, but ill let them check that out... btw, i'll be putting my E7 heads back on with the 1.7 roller rockers... thanks guys, it's driving me crazy!

 

Pretty sure you'll have to stick with a flat tappet cam OR buy a retro roller kit for this block.

Also, its a 2 piece rear main seal as well?? I believe.

Definitely have your hands full!!

I have an '88 351 I'd sell yah. It just needs new pistons and a bore. Probably crank and journals needs to be cut 0.010, but its a good block, crank.

 

might be worth it to find another starting point, roller blocks are our friends. . .but its doable as long as its confirmed to be within allowable wear/overbore specs.