to swap or rebuild? 92 F150 302/AOD

[1992_Flareside]

I need some advice on a whether I should rebuild my engine or possibly swap to a 5.0 HO engine.

First, the stock engine lost compression on 2 cylinders and I see metal particles in the oil (after 191,000 miles). So I know that a rebuild is definitely needed if I stick with this engine. I really don't have the time or space for the rebuild currently so I'll need to outsource the rebuild if I go this route.

Secondly, I would like opinions if a 5.0 HO engine is a viable swap without a huge outlay of cash. I have been looking at the stock 225HP or 320 HP longblocks that Ford is selling from the factory. I'm assuming that the MASS AIR conversion will be necessary? What other modifications will be necessary to perform this change?

Would rebuilding a used 5.0 HO engine cost any more/less than the stock engine? I'm assuming that there should be plenty of this type of engine available with all of the mustangs/lincolns that have been built

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Charles

[1992_Flareside]

anyone?

[Mike G]

Is this in a 2 wheel drive or 4x4? The HO motor is set up for what I would consider more of a street engine. If you have a 4x, consider the rebuild with some RV upgrades.

--Mike

[1992_Flareside]

It is a 2WD SWB. Always street driven and never pulls a trailer of any type. This is not a daily driver so gas mileage is not a priority.

I'm really leaning toward the 5.O HO conversion if its not too difficult or expensive compared to the rebuild of the stock engine with a few parts thrown in for extra power.


Please keep the suggestions coming

Thanks!

[jwtaylor]

I think your asking which is cheaper the ford crate engine or to have a machinist/ engine shop rebuild yours to an equivalent hp and tq level. Cheaper to have a machinist to do it, usually, all depends on the shops in your area.

You might consider looking around the different mustang website and classifieds. You would be suprised at what you can find.

www.corral.net
www.stangnet.com
www.carbdford.com
www.50tech.com

If gas mileage isn't a concern and you want more power, instead of a 302HO, how about a 351w? Most people on this board use the stock efi, get a 351w lower and upper intake, and move all the efi and fuel rails on over. The speed density is batch fire so the 302 computer works just fine as is, as reported by those who have done the swap. Something to think about