im replacing the worn out 302 in my 85 stepside with an svo crate
i wanted to replace it with something similar to an early lightning, but it seems to be alot cheaper to build a mustang with a pickup body
than it is to replicate a lightning. Im getting pulled in many different directions on weather to stick with the 302 or empty my
wallet on a 351w. Ford sells a 5.0345hp crate. im sure that will get the job done, but i would like more information on the pro's and cons to these to set ups.

 

I have an 84 F150 Reg Cab Long Box 4x2 and I run a 351w with a C6. I am at about 250 hp right now and this thing just flies. The only thing I have come across that I can't beat so far is my sisters 97 Grand Prix GTP but its a turbo charged 240hp 4.3L. I am planning on gettin new heads and such and one day sitting at around 350hp would be nice but thats not for a while. Remember there is no Replacement for Displacement Good Luck

 

Forget horse power numbers you want torque!!!!!!
Find yourself an old 351 get it machined, and you can pick up the whole top end from someone like edlebrock, carb, intake, heads, and cam all in one matched shot, then pick youself up some nice long tube headers. Monster torque = Monster acceleration!

 

How can you tell how much torque you have? I have an edelbrock carb, intake, and an RV Cam, headers, and dual exhaust, what else can I do to this truck for huge torque? This is all going to a 9" rear. I realize that its never gonna be easy to push this thing through wind because of its size but there has to be some way to give it huge jump.

 

What are you planing on doing with it? If it is a 2wd and it has a 9" rear in it and you just want it to accelerate like a rhino goosed with a flame thrower just install a larger gear set in it! Cheap and easy.

 

I'd just get a stroker kit for the 302 you've got. a 3.5" stroke will give you a 351 ci. 351 has same bore as 302. Or you can stroke it out to the 400 neighborhood. The stroker kits will give you GOBS of torque and hp. Just a little harder time at the gas pump..lol
The only replacement for cubic inches..is cubic money!

Good luck!

Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.

Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win

 

I am pretty sure its the 3:55's in it now so what would be the best gear setup? I am looking for raw take off power, and how bad will it effect my mileage? (Not that its great in the first place) Thanks

 

Well I know 4.10s were a stock option, but if you are nutz you could get a set of 5.30s.

Is this for drag racing?

 

Its a street truck but I would like to get into drag racing with it.

 

For a street truck you wont want 5.13s because they aint got top end. You'd probably be runnin 4 grand at 75 mpg with that low a gear. I'd get a 3.73. The lightnings got em, and maybe a posi. The 3.73 is better at the line than a 3.55 and it still has top end.

 

How much am I looking at for something like that. I know my rear end has be redone it has posi but I am not sure of the gears I will have to ask the previous owner who redid everything. Thanks for the tip.