I have a 96 with a 302 e40d and 282,000 miles on it. I assume it will need either a re-build or new engine sooner rather than later, but runs fairly fine now with few issues.

Two questions:

1) can i swap the 302 with a crate 351 since I think they weight the same, and have updated the suspension with a stiffer front end? If so, do I need to change computer or anything else by going to the 351?

2) I don't feel like doing a re-build on this one since I am working on an 85 restoration and use this as a daily driver...know of any good sites to order crate 302 or 351? Wouldn't mind buying a little more powerful engine when replacing it too. I poked around on Summit Racing, but didn't see an listing for that year.

Thanks!

 

best would be to buy a wrecking yard 96 5.8 from either a bronco or F150, this is to ensure you have everything you need. yes get a computer to match motor/tranny/obd-II. Have this motor rebuilt by a shop that way you can ensure quality and could also get some additional goodies such as an upgraded cam or perhaps even stroking the motor to a 393 or 408.

you will not have to upgrade the front suspension

 

@Kemicalburns thanks! I figured as much on the donor. There is a pick-n-pull here, and plenty of em there. I also thought about upgrading the crank and injectors on the 302 and possibly putting a stroker crank in it, but I found a company out of MS called PowerSource that sells OEM spec ISO 9002 and QS9000 certified 302's for 1549, no tax + free shipping which is hard to beat. I can then just replace the crank and injectors myself.

 

you will want to make sure it is a 96 motor just to make hooking things up easier. a stroker crank wont be drop it, it will require machine work and such just so your aware.
a 5.8 also is a better fit for a heavy vehicle than a 302 even when stroked.

 

Ya the 351 has no problems moving our Bronco's compared to those silly 302s

 

I started looking around for a crate engine and there are several vendors out there. Any recommendations on a reputable vendor for a 96 replacement 302?

 

depends will you be doing the install or a shop? some warranties wont hold up if you do the install yourself. some shops have specific builders they buy from so you might ask. i would get a 97 5.0 out of an explorer, it would have gt40p heads and such. injectors can not be upgraded unless you get your computer tuned to recognize them.

stroking will require machine work on the block to provide proper clearances.

 

Like sed above try to find a lower miles 5.8 they're very reliable the only thing I'd say is to put a new timing set in it and go with a true double roller thats the only problem with there era Ford v8s everything will work from your truck ( wiring and sensors and what not ) if you want more power than that then get I cheap hydraulic roller cam and lifters and get a custom tune on your truck. Just about any place that tunes Fox body mustang can tune it( the comps are about almost the exact same)