We are getting ready to fit an '88 302 C-4 into our truck. I was wondering if anybody has used this combination and if they could offer and suggestions or know of any potentional problems we could encounter. It also has a TCI mustang II frontend with power rack and 4-link rear suspension o a 9" rear end.
Thanks

 

I put an early 80s 302 in my 51 F1 w/C-4, bolted in a front motor mount crossmember to accept the 302 stock motor mounts, available from lots of catalogs. Had no space problems, but I have stock steering. Used a floormount Pinto shifter, and picked up a drive shaft from a c-4 equipped junker, took it and the stock shaft to the machine shop, and they fit it to my specifications. No problems whatever. I'd stay away from from those 2 sump 88 Tbird oil pans, as they are twice the trouble at oil change time. A 289 one sump pan fit fine, if you can't find a 302. On your tranny mount, get one that screws apart, so it's easier to drop the transmission. I didn't, and I've paid for it when I wanted to pull the transmission.

 

 

Thanks for the response. Ironically, we do have an 88' EFI from a mustang with the 2 sumps. That was one of my concerns was fitting the front sump over the crossmember/rack and pinion. I am under the impression that all Ford's have the sump in the front and cannot be changed?? I need to set the cab on to see where the engine needs to sit. I hope to do that this weekend.

 

Regarding getting rid of the 2 sump T bird oil pan, here's what I did. As I was replacing a dead 289 (1967), I just used the 289 pan, and the 289 oil pump pickup--The pipe that bolts on the pump with the screened area that picks up the oil from the sump. The 302 oil pickup wouldn't fit in my 289 one sump oil pan. Works great so far. Good luck your project.

 

I have a mustang II suspension in my 52 paneltruck. And I found that a oilpan from a 84 ford van or any ford van is a rear sump pan and works great.