302 in a highboy?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Waterloo IL
I would go with the 351w over the 302. But I don't think the 302 is a bad choice. Ford put a 302 in an F-250 4x4 in later years so whats the difference. My dad has a 1989 F-250 4x4 and I've used it and it gets the job done.
An Explorer 302 can make 350hp with just a cam and exhaust change which I would say will be more that adequate. And they can be had cheap as well. I'd also go with a 302 WAY before a 351m/400.
An Explorer 302 can make 350hp with just a cam and exhaust change which I would say will be more that adequate. And they can be had cheap as well. I'd also go with a 302 WAY before a 351m/400.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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My dad has a 71 f-100 with that exact set up. 5.0 motor, ford racing E cam, and it makes some great power and gets like 18mpg if you can resist boiling the tires.
Do you know what towers to use? That is the only thing im concerned about during the swap, and i cant seem to find a straight answer to any option, whether its 2wd sbf towers or to use my 360 towers.
Do you know what towers to use? That is the only thing im concerned about during the swap, and i cant seem to find a straight answer to any option, whether its 2wd sbf towers or to use my 360 towers.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Waterloo IL
I've never done the swap so I'm not sure on the towers, though I can tell you the 2wd towers are totally different. If if were me I would try to use the 360 towers and go from there.
My cousin has a 89 F-150 4x4 5-speed short bed with an Explorer motor, the E cam that you had mentioned and Ford racing shorty headers with true dual 2.5" exhaust. He's also running a 9 inch rear from a 1977 F-150 and a front D44 solid axle from a 77 F-150. He runs a full spool in that truck and it will roast both 33 12.50 Thornbird tires on pavement in 3rd gear. He's broke the 9 inch more times than I can count, maybe 8 times? Axles, carrier, 3rd member, spiders(when it had them), you name it, its been broken.
I have more of a Mustang back ground so it amazes me how many people on this site count the 302 out right off the bat. And in reality its probably one of the biggest bang for the buck Ford engine out there.
My cousin has a 89 F-150 4x4 5-speed short bed with an Explorer motor, the E cam that you had mentioned and Ford racing shorty headers with true dual 2.5" exhaust. He's also running a 9 inch rear from a 1977 F-150 and a front D44 solid axle from a 77 F-150. He runs a full spool in that truck and it will roast both 33 12.50 Thornbird tires on pavement in 3rd gear. He's broke the 9 inch more times than I can count, maybe 8 times? Axles, carrier, 3rd member, spiders(when it had them), you name it, its been broken.
I have more of a Mustang back ground so it amazes me how many people on this site count the 302 out right off the bat. And in reality its probably one of the biggest bang for the buck Ford engine out there.
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Yes it is possible. Hell, if a 300 came in these things, I think a 302 can hang. That said, I've owned numerous rigs with 302's (not just dentsides), and I don't feel a stock 302 is a capable motor in a full size 4x4, be that a pickup or a Bronco. Hopped up, sure...but I feel swapping in a stock 302 would be more or less a lateral move in a 'highboy'.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 52
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From: Vandergrift PA
About 30 years ago I swapped out a straight 6 for a 68 302 with low miles I got cheap. Was thoroughly disappointed, the 6 had way better torque, the 302 couldn't even climb hills in 4th gear. Im sure if a 302 was built up right would be fine, but not in stock form. That was in a 79 F150 4x4 with 33 tires. Cant remember what mounts I used but some welding involved.