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390 engine to 302 engine

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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:15 PM
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Question 390 engine to 302 engine

my dad is wanting to change engine from a 390 to a 302 is this possible with out putting a big hole in the pocket found engine already but what else will be need to modify to make it work by the way its a 1974 F-100 pickup
 
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:32 PM
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You will need new mounts , new tranny and all the other little parts. Why go through the hassle to downsize?
 
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:55 PM
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Stick or auto? You can just change the bellhousing on a stick, auto you will need a different tranny. Motor mounts are different, but not an expensive problem. All the brackets are also different, what all do you get with your 302?
I bet his reason lies somewhere in your user name ''ford390gashog''.
I love FE's, but they love gas!
 
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by redsuperduty
Stick or auto? You can just change the bellhousing on a stick, auto you will need a different tranny. Motor mounts are different, but not an expensive problem. All the brackets are also different, what all do you get with your 302?
I bet his reason lies somewhere in your user name ''ford390gashog''.
I love FE's, but they love gas!
its a 3 speed on the column are the brackets i need the same as the 5.0 mustangs cause i have those and i also have new motor mounts could i use th t5 out of a mustang
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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All the expense in swapping crap over will buy several tanks of gas. Why bother for maybe 1/2-1 MPG improvement?

Not to mention the power will be halved.

I would consider swapping the 3rd member (around $50-75 from JY) to a 3.25, 3.00 or even a 2.75 if mileage is really that much of a concern.

Josh
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by proudtruck
its a 3 speed on the column are the brackets i need the same as the 5.0 mustangs cause i have those and i also have new motor mounts could i use th t5 out of a mustang
BTW it's the frame PERCHES that need to be swapped.

Also consider you may need a different intermmediate driveshaft.

Josh
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Bullitt390
All the expense in swapping crap over will buy several tanks of gas. Why bother for maybe 1/2-1 MPG improvement?

Not to mention the power will be halved.

I would consider swapping the 3rd member (around $50-75 from JY) to a 3.25, 3.00 or even a 2.75 if mileage is really that much of a concern.

Josh
what is the 3rd member
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by proudtruck
what is the 3rd member

Differential
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by proudtruck
what is the 3rd member
For a Ford 9 inch, the center-section is removeable has several "nicknames"...

3rd member
Drop-Out
Center-Section
Pumpkin

They can be had fairly cheap in most junkyards and just requires pulling the axles and disconnecting the driveshaft. Some silicone and new gear oil and you're good to go.

Not sure what you are running now, but if you have a 4.11 to 3.50 rear ratio, going to a 2.75-3.00 can make a good sized difference in fuel economy.

Josh
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 07:08 PM
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If you are looking to do it w/o spending much, then I would nix the idea. I've been that route. But I went from a 390 to a hp 300. Everything is different, from rad. hookups to throttle linkage, and ten things you didn't think of. Each means $.

I wanted to keep the 390 horse power, but gain 50% better mileage. I actually ended up doubling my mileage with the same towing/hauling ability--but it was not cheap. It is much cheaper to gain hp out of a v8 than an inline six. However, the 300 (4.9) produces peak hp at a much lower rpm than a v8.



Good luck.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 07:25 PM
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I agree.....gear swap not an engine swap. Also with all the money you save, get rid of the points and run a good electronic ignition, coil, wires, plugs, etc. Also get a modern cam, a modern intake, a small 4 barrel carb, shorty headers with a good exhaust. You'll spend 1/4 the money, get better mileage, and it will perform much better. My papa always said, "son, there's no replacement for displacement."
 
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