302 vs. 351
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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302 vs. 351
I am looking for some experienced opinions regarding a 302 vs. a 351.
I have a 1992 supercab with a 351 in it. I like it, it has lots of power, etc. but the engine is getting old and in need of some work. I still tow trailers with it that range between 1 ton to 2.5 tons. It pulls them fine but is starting to struggle a little with the larger trailer.
So here is my question. Is there a huge power/performance difference between these two motors?
I have the 351 with 390000km. on it and have a line on another full truck (less the bed) with a 302 in it that still is running and they claim has only 100000km. on it?????
I am considering dropping the 302 into the my truck since it is my daily drive and rebuilding the 351. I will strip off whatever else I need off of the other as well.
Others have said just rebuild the 302 and put it in.
You guys have always been very helpful and informative before, what would you guys suggest?
I have a 1992 supercab with a 351 in it. I like it, it has lots of power, etc. but the engine is getting old and in need of some work. I still tow trailers with it that range between 1 ton to 2.5 tons. It pulls them fine but is starting to struggle a little with the larger trailer.
So here is my question. Is there a huge power/performance difference between these two motors?
I have the 351 with 390000km. on it and have a line on another full truck (less the bed) with a 302 in it that still is running and they claim has only 100000km. on it?????
I am considering dropping the 302 into the my truck since it is my daily drive and rebuilding the 351. I will strip off whatever else I need off of the other as well.
Others have said just rebuild the 302 and put it in.
You guys have always been very helpful and informative before, what would you guys suggest?
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Replace the 351 temporarily and rebuild it. The 302 is a great engine, some might say it doesn't belong in a truck, I say BS, I've had one in my truck for 18 years and it has done just about everything I've asked from it, and then some, but it's no match for your 351.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
Based on my experience, I would take the 351w over the 302 any day. And I will gladly say that the 302 doesn't belong in a truck. Sure it will do the job, but it's really going to struggle to do it. Unlike the 351w which won't struggle to do it, and it will handle everything the truck is rated for and more. The 351w is definitely the one to rebuild here, and use the 302 as a temporary engine while you rebuild the 351.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 2
From: Cottage Grove, WI
Based on my experience, I would take the 351w over the 302 any day. And I will gladly say that the 302 doesn't belong in a truck. Sure it will do the job, but it's really going to struggle to do it. Unlike the 351w which won't struggle to do it, and it will handle everything the truck is rated for and more. The 351w is definitely the one to rebuild here, and use the 302 as a temporary engine while you rebuild the 351.
^^^ I agree with everything that was said here. Ive owned both engines, and like he said, the 302 will get the job done, but it wont do it well. That engine is so much better suited in a car. The 351W was made to be in a truck, and it outshines the 302 in every aspect in that configuration.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 323
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From: Durham, CA
Well, I was happy with my 5.0L but I don't really tow anything out here. It decided to start knockin' at 141K miles due to 138K of that being completely unmaintained by the previous owners. I JUST replaced it with a low mileage 5.8L & will be excited to report back on the difference once I get the exhaust and O2 sensor hooked up!
Having the choice though, I agree with the fellas above. Use the 5.0 as a temp "keep you running" setup and rebuild the 5.8 to go back in it. If nothing else it will give you a great comparison between the two then you can decide for yourself as to keeping the 5.0 in it if it suits your fancy or rebuild the 5.8!
Having the choice though, I agree with the fellas above. Use the 5.0 as a temp "keep you running" setup and rebuild the 5.8 to go back in it. If nothing else it will give you a great comparison between the two then you can decide for yourself as to keeping the 5.0 in it if it suits your fancy or rebuild the 5.8!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I've had both motors in the same truck and there is no comparison, despite the fact that they make about the same peak HP the 5.8 makes more TQ at 2000rpm than the 5.0 makes anywhere. As a result my truck was 3sec faster 0-60 with the 5.8 and with the 5.0 it bogs and downshifts on hills that the 5.8 would simply drive up like they weren't there.
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Junior User
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Thanks guys. You have reinforced what my gut feeling was telling me. I am still looking around for another truck with a 351 but if I can't find it the other 1992 with the 302 is looking like a good option for a temporary solution while the 351 is being rebuilt.
For $400.00 I can't go wrong and will be able to stripe it down for other parts.
For $400.00 I can't go wrong and will be able to stripe it down for other parts.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
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From: Conway, South Carolina
yeah. DON'T DO IT. I actually get better mpg with the 5.8 than the 5.0. I did a 5.8 swap awhile back. Would not put a 5.0 back in.
Personally I believe the only trucks that should have came with the 5.0 is a regular cab shortbed 2wd.
Personally I believe the only trucks that should have came with the 5.0 is a regular cab shortbed 2wd.
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