Hey everyone,

I am the proud new owner of an 84 150, currently with a mild 302 and over drive auto. Up till now, all my cars have been either GM or Mopar musclecars, and they've all ahd big blocks, so this truck is a little tame for my liking. I don't know much about the different ford engine families, or what would even be possible in the way of engine/trans swaps, so i was hoping some of you guys out there could shed a little light on the subject for this newbie. Would it be worth building up my current 302 (lord knows theres enough aftermarket parts for em)? Or would it be a better use of time to tear the little baby v-8 out of there and drop in something bigger? Keep in mind that money is kind of a tight issue for me right now, but my mechanical ability it pretty damn good. Thanks in advance for any help,

 

if you are used to bb dodge then you are never gonna be satisfied with a 302. i would go with a 460 but a stocker still won't compare to a 440, but thats just my opinion. i have always drove my ford to work and my 63 dodge 440 727 auto to go fast and tear up chevys and fords

 

Obviously the 302 isn't going to compare to a big block, especially in a heavy truck with the aerodynamics of a cinder block. But not all is lost.

Cheap upgrade - headers and dual exhaust, new intake manifold and carb

More expensive - better heads (the stock 302 has terrible exhaust ports), stroker kit for bottom end.

There is a Ford-trucks engine forum for the 302 (5.0L) that is full of threads on this subject, as well as engine swap interchangability.

 

no replacment for displacment. In a light 1/2 ton a decent built 460 will make it a screamer if it is geared right.