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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 11:56 AM
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51 f1

I have an engine from a 1980 mercury zepher. I was told it was a 302 but the intake has a pan beneath it. I have a 289 intake that is solid.

The engine from the mercury has a pan you can see under the intake and angle plugs.

Is this still a 302

Thanks, Les Witt
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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Probably not. That sounds like the 255 engine Ford produced from 1980-82. It has a smaller bore and different heads and intake than the 302. A little short on horsepower, too. It's not desireable for use in a swap situation, if that's your intent.
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 03:50 PM
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In 1980, a very urgent need to meet EPA CAFE standards led to the creation of the 255 cu in (4.2 L) version, essentially a 302 with the cylinder bores downcored to 3.68 in (93.5 mm). Rated power (SAE net) was 115-122 hp (86-91 kW), depending on year and application. Cylinder heads used smaller combustion chambers and smaller valves and the intake ports were ovals whereas the others were rectangular. The only externally visible cue was the use of an open runner intake manifold with a stamped steel lifter valley cover attached to its underside, giving the appearance of previous generation engines, such as the Y-Block and the MEL. It was optional in Fox chassis cars including the Mustang and corporate cousin Mercury Capri, Thunderbird, Fairmont, and standard equipment in the Ford LTD. Poorly received thanks to its dismal performance and mediocre fuel economy, it was dropped after the 1982 model year, and is considered one of the worst modern Ford engines.
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Old F1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Well, that's pretty definate and doesn't leave a whole lot of room for debate now does it!
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 07:25 PM
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255 engine

Thanks everyone. Just my luck. Maybe i can find a later motor with aod.

You guys know your stuff

Les
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Julies Cool F1
Well, that's pretty definate and doesn't leave a whole lot of room for debate now does it!
What? Wikipedia is never wrong! Well I have been told that I should only say nice things on here (I’m working on it) so I just made up the Wikipedia stuff so it might not be as definate as it looks. (just kidding)
 
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Old Oct 22, 2010 | 08:14 PM
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Just because it's on wikipedia doesn't mean it's wrong. In this case, I'd say it's pretty darn accurate. ;-)

For the record, I didn't have to look it up. LOL
 
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 11:29 AM
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255 cid engines make great coffee table bases. And that's about all they're good for. The 200 I6 and 2.3 I4 were better engines as options in the Zephyr.

And I'm not talking about the Mercury flathead.
 
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