i have a rebuilt 390 and rebuilt 302! I want a good daily driver but still fun any advice on the the motor to choose

 

2wd=302, 4wd=390.

A 302 can eke out 15-18 mpg depending on your driving habits. Don't expect gas mileage with a 390.. btwn 9-12 mpg.

 

Bout like a .22 & .45 pistol, both are hand guns, but the killing power of the .22 will not compare to the .45.

The 302 will be more economical but lacks the gonads of the 390.




John

 

The question is, do you want better mileage or better power?
Better mileage = 302
Better power = 390

 

my wore out 360 gets 13 mpg so what im looking at is right at 10 dollars a week in fuel savings based on 10,000 miles a year but gain serious horse power and fun for 10.00 a week

 

If mileage is a concern and this is your only vehicle, I would say go for the 302

 

Is this a trick question?

390 all the way, you already have an economy rig listed in your signature, at least put a FE in your bump so it's fun to drive.

 

Fun factor? Ha!!! Then I say the 390 backed by a TKO-500 and 4.10 rear gears. It'll launch ya out of the hole with gobs of torque and will be a freeway flyer with a 2.80 final drive ratio. The final drive ratio is the effective gear ratio (rear gear times the OD gear).

 

i now have a scion for fuel economy and no this not a trick question but under the right conditions ive been told a 302 is just as fast depending on the set up but this 390 was built to pre 66 mustang specs but also bored .40 over with higher compression. the cost for fuel doesnt seem too different and have read that the 390 can get close to the same mileage with the right tuning. but i dont have the time with the 390 for the comparison.

 

... maybe downhill, in neutral with a 40 mph tail wind, and 60 psi in yer tires.

 

If you have a 360 in there now, a 390 is a simple swap. A 302 would require a different trans/flexplate/starter (auto) or bellhousing/flywheel/starter (manual) as well as different motor mount perches. Then there's other things, like exhaust and accessory brackets to consider.
Granted, a 302 should get a bit better MPG on the highway, but around town it's gonna be pretty close to the same.
If you are going to use the truck as a truck, the 390 won't even break a sweat while doing stuff that will have the 302 panting rather hard.

 

I am beginning to think we have a chebby guy here, yall know they believe anything. LOL

A 302 don't hold a light for a 390.




John

 

well i have two donor chassis one for both motors and the parts including trans but im not too concerned about a couple mpg difference, so maybe the 390is the way to go any ideas on the gear ratio? I have a 3.00 , 3.25 , and a 3.50 with a locker

 

What gear do you have now?.. and what size tires? I say.. first things first. Get the engine in, then decide.

 

See post #1 what do you mean by fun? Define fun and that should help you determine the ratio you seek.