Engine options
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
Engine options
Hey folks. The old 302 in my truck is a bit worn. I've even debating replacing the engine. It's my work rig so whatever I do needs to be a "drop in" deal so I can have it up and running in two days.
Anyway, I've heard the 302 isn't the greatest powerhouse. I'm looking for something that going to have power (more or less torque) and be somewhat fuel efficient. I mean a 460 v8 wouldn't be a good option as far as fuel economy goes LOL
Any suggestions? Would a beefed up 302 be good or should I look for a 351 be a better choice? How about a inline 6? Any thoughts on converting to efi?
I'm not overly familiar with ford engines so someone school me please!
Anyway, I've heard the 302 isn't the greatest powerhouse. I'm looking for something that going to have power (more or less torque) and be somewhat fuel efficient. I mean a 460 v8 wouldn't be a good option as far as fuel economy goes LOL
Any suggestions? Would a beefed up 302 be good or should I look for a 351 be a better choice? How about a inline 6? Any thoughts on converting to efi?
I'm not overly familiar with ford engines so someone school me please!
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 731
Likes: 6
From: Jonesborough, TN
If you need to do this in 2 days, then a 302 or 351W would be your best choices. The 6 would work, but you have to change out the radiator, get frame perches for the motor mounts to attach to, different exhaust, some wiring differences, etc. The 351W is very similar to the 302, just a bit taller and wider because of the taller cylinders. A "beefed up" 302 would be essentially a "plug-n-play" swap and may be the quickest and easiest given your time constraints.
Converting to EFI is another can of worms and will add a lot of variables to the equation. You've got 2 days. Give yourself several for the EFI conversion. Also, it will cost some $$$ to do the switch, unless you go with all JY parts. Aftermarket EFI systems are available, and can be installed in a weekend, but they ain't cheap. And I would try to do the engine swap and EFI install in the same weekend, if I had to drive it on Monday.
Just my opinion. Good luck.
Converting to EFI is another can of worms and will add a lot of variables to the equation. You've got 2 days. Give yourself several for the EFI conversion. Also, it will cost some $$$ to do the switch, unless you go with all JY parts. Aftermarket EFI systems are available, and can be installed in a weekend, but they ain't cheap. And I would try to do the engine swap and EFI install in the same weekend, if I had to drive it on Monday.
Just my opinion. Good luck.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
The 351w could be a 2 day affair, but you would really have to get your "ducks in a row".
The 351w will drop in but;
It needs to be setup for a 80-up truck(rear sump oil pan, dipstick, pump pickup, etc.)
You will need the flywheel to fit(your 84 302 is a 50oz inbalance, the 351w is a 28oz)
You will need the proper throttle cable(the 302 cable won't bolt in, but I have made a bracket to make it work, there's half a day in that).
Your exhaust won't fit. You will need a new y-pipe, and your engine will need the 351w truck exhaust manifolds.
This could be a 2 day thing, if you have a donor truck there beside you with a good engine in it.
The 351w will drop in but;
It needs to be setup for a 80-up truck(rear sump oil pan, dipstick, pump pickup, etc.)
You will need the flywheel to fit(your 84 302 is a 50oz inbalance, the 351w is a 28oz)
You will need the proper throttle cable(the 302 cable won't bolt in, but I have made a bracket to make it work, there's half a day in that).
Your exhaust won't fit. You will need a new y-pipe, and your engine will need the 351w truck exhaust manifolds.
This could be a 2 day thing, if you have a donor truck there beside you with a good engine in it.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
Ahhhh ok so I'm thinking a 302 worked a bit would a better choice. As of right now I'm trying to get my ducks in a row. I thought the 351 came in our trucks (at least the 250's and up). The only reason I say 2 days is because I don't wan this to turn into a month long project with the truck off the road. I've done engine pulls and reinstalls before so I know the ordeal, it's just all the other wrenches that get thrown in the works (I.e. not havin the right flywheel, etc).
Any thoughts on the 302? is it worth the trouble? I'll keep it carbureted since that's the simplest way to keep running
Any thoughts on the 302? is it worth the trouble? I'll keep it carbureted since that's the simplest way to keep running
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
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Honestly, for driving around, a 302 is just fine. For actual work though, I don't want the 302. Give me a 300 or a 351.
As far as practicality goes and time constraints, a 302 would be the best route for you right now unless you have something else to drive.
Your 84 with a 302 should have a feedback carburetor that is computer controlled. You might want to do a Duraspark II swap unless your emissions and carburetor are all in place.
As far as practicality goes and time constraints, a 302 would be the best route for you right now unless you have something else to drive.
Your 84 with a 302 should have a feedback carburetor that is computer controlled. You might want to do a Duraspark II swap unless your emissions and carburetor are all in place.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
if he's going duraspark, he should also get a conventional (non-feedback) carburetor so he can tune it properly, as the computer just about shuts down when you start unplugging things.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
I already have a DS2 module and edelbrock carb from a previous owner. I ripped out the air pump since it wasn't doing anything. Oh and a previous owner gutted the cat. I technically have the emissions equip as New Jersey has some pretty stringent emissions testing but there has to be a way around it. Especially on a 25+ year old vehicle.
Anyway, I guess a 302 is my best bet if a 351 isn't a direct drop in. Thanks ya'll
Anyway, I guess a 302 is my best bet if a 351 isn't a direct drop in. Thanks ya'll
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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Likes: 1
i've known some guys who would put all that junk back on for the test, then put it back to how they want it as soon as they've passed the test.
here in WA, vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from the test, i don't know about your part of the country
here in WA, vehicles over 25 years old are exempt from the test, i don't know about your part of the country
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
If you can find a 302 easier, it sounds like it's your best choice all things considered. You will probably need to put that air pump back on it if they lift the hood, but you can let it whiz around and do nothing, as long as the lines look like they are hooked up and the belt is on it.
If you run the stock aircleaner, they won't notice the different carb and make sure you paint your edelbrock manifold the same color as the engine. Just don't get into the bling thing under the hood, and you should be ok. It will probably pass the sniffer test if you have to running good.
If you run the stock aircleaner, they won't notice the different carb and make sure you paint your edelbrock manifold the same color as the engine. Just don't get into the bling thing under the hood, and you should be ok. It will probably pass the sniffer test if you have to running good.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, IN
The 351w would also need new accessory brackets for the power steering pump, alternator etc. but it is definitely doable in two days. The 351s I have owned only got around 1-2 mpg worse then the 302s I have owned, but the power output was well worth it.
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