will a 5.0L 302 swap with a 4.9L 300 pretty easily?

 

Transmission will bolt up, flywheel/flexplate are different. Same goes for convertor if A/T. The motor mounts and frame perches are different, as is the radiator. Wiring will move around a bit. Accessories like alternator, power steering, a/c etc, may change as well. And of course there is that whole exhaust issue...

 

My first question is, why? The power for a stock 5.0 is only marginally greater than a stock 4.9. The 4.9 builds H/P and torque at lower RPM. If you want more power and are willing to go to all the trouble and expense of an engine swap, put something big in there. Maybe a built 5.8, or go with a 460.

 

The same applies for the 5.8 to swap in. The 460 is a whole 'nother monster...

 

I never understood this logic. Why replace a 300 with a 302 when you can get a 351? Well, why would you use a 351 when you can get a 460? If we all had 460s, what fun would that be?

It's a lot more fun and interesting to build up a smaller, unappreciated motor in stock form into a respectable performer. My 302 was pitiful in stock form, but after my own modifications, my 302 now has close to 300 hp and over 350 ft/lbs of torque at 2500 RPMs, which is even more powerful than the first generation Lightnings. Sure, you can build up a 351 stronger, and a 460 stronger still, but its more fun to give the people with the newer and bigger engines a real run for their money.

 

Amen! From everything I've read and what many others have told me, the 300/4.9 has good low-end torque, and that can be augmented somewhat with after-market parts. But, those same parts will add considerably to the lack of horsepower that engine has since it doesn't like to wind in stock form.

And, if you are going to change I wouldn't change to a 302 when a 351W will bolt in the same place a 302 will. Yes, you can build a 302 as Lariat has to get more power, but it is a lot easier and cheaper to get power out of a 351W, and that power will be at lower RPM if built correctly. For instance, I did a lot of research, bouncing ideas off of the experts here on FTE, and Desktop Dyno work on an engine I was planning to build. It didn't take much to have 400 ft-lbs at 2000 RPM and, as I'm sure you are aware, the lower in the rev range you can get your peak torque the better for a truck.

Having said all that, Lariat has an impressive engine and he should be proud of it - I would be. But, things like the Thumper heads aren't cheap, although though they are very good. However, they bolt on a 351W as easily as a 302. So, before you swap out one of the best truck engines Ford made, think through the costs of the various alternatives and weigh the results. And, whatever you decide you'll find a lot of support here.