302 swap
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302 swap
I have a 78 f-150 300 six
I recently bought a 302 out of a 68 Galaxie the motor's in excellent condition and I'd like to put it in my truck.
I'm told that this could be a problem because the 302 was not an option for 78 4x4's.
I found this out when I tried to purchase headers. Has anyone done this ?? any suggestions?
I recently bought a 302 out of a 68 Galaxie the motor's in excellent condition and I'd like to put it in my truck.
I'm told that this could be a problem because the 302 was not an option for 78 4x4's.
I found this out when I tried to purchase headers. Has anyone done this ?? any suggestions?
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Joined: Jun 2000
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302 swap
I recommend keeping the 300 but a 302 can be installed. You will need truck 302 rubber mounts with 351m/400 frame brackets, v8 radiator/hoses, 80-later truck 302 oil pan/pickup tube. 300 and 302 use the same bellhousing bolt pattern. Flywheel/flexplate is 28oz imbalance from 82 or earlier 302 or any year 351w.
Last edited by ecarter50; Jun 5, 2003 at 09:00 PM.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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302 swap
You made the right choice. The 300-six has the low end torque required for your truck.
Check out the info in the Inline-six forum for performance info to get more out of the 300. Don't fall for trying to make the 300 a high RPM motor. The 300 is a low rpm torque engine.
Check out the info in the Inline-six forum for performance info to get more out of the 300. Don't fall for trying to make the 300 a high RPM motor. The 300 is a low rpm torque engine.
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From: Seattle/Tacoma Washington U.S.A.
302 swap
Even the 240 is a good motor..... That is what I have in my 74. But honestly I could spank it when my 302 was bone stock. I liek the inline 6 because it is good for small towing and hauling, and the sound of it is awesome, thud thud thud thud thud thud...... It just has that slow beat to it , unlike my 302, always runing at a high RPM..... What are you going to be using the truck for? Also if you go off roading in it keep the 6, the 302 is a lite duty daily driver/mustang engine.
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302 swap
I'll be using it to mostly haul and tow, more towards the hauling part I guess. I've been looking for something to haul cars with, (long distance interstate travel) and I didn't think the six could handle it. I know the 300 has a lot of low end but I wasn't sure how it would handle long hauls at 60mph.
I got a deal on a 89 ramcharger and was going to use that to tow with untill I tried it ........what a nightmare!!! I had some major cooling problems, not to mention the way it handled(real bad sway). But the extra room was nice for the long trips. So I've been looking around for a cheap 78-80 Bronco. I've had less problems with Fords in the past and if the bronco handles anything like the F150 I'll be happy as H*LL. I know they put the 302 in broncos as well as the 351 and 400 If I come across one with a 302 should I get it or do you think I'll just be wasting my time?
Thanks again for your opinions
I got a deal on a 89 ramcharger and was going to use that to tow with untill I tried it ........what a nightmare!!! I had some major cooling problems, not to mention the way it handled(real bad sway). But the extra room was nice for the long trips. So I've been looking around for a cheap 78-80 Bronco. I've had less problems with Fords in the past and if the bronco handles anything like the F150 I'll be happy as H*LL. I know they put the 302 in broncos as well as the 351 and 400 If I come across one with a 302 should I get it or do you think I'll just be wasting my time?
Thanks again for your opinions
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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302 swap
Set up a 400 properly and it has the low end torque that you want. It also has higher HP which will help you out. For long distance towing I wouldn't use a 300, 302, 351W, 351C, or 351M. The minimum I would use is a 400 or go with a 460. There is no replacement for displacement.
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Elder User
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From: Seattle/Tacoma Washington U.S.A.
302 swap
AHHH! LOL, you always say that (there is no replacement for displacement) its driving me crazy! lol, jk.... Bronco? You meen to drive and not to tow with right? Trucks are better to tow with because of there wheel base, the bronco has a smaller wheel base. I would recomend buying a 400 or 460 with low miles on it, rebuild it (very easy) and stuff it in the F150. It would be so worth it, especialy on how much gas $ you would be saving in the long run.... If you were to tow a car with the 302 or even the 351 it would be like having to feed a grown man (302) to pull a car across the country, as oposed to feeding about 4 horse's to do it.... It cost less and you get there with less worrie and trouble. The 400 is a very strong engine, if you want to go all out, get an EFI 460, average of about 12mpg, towing nothing and 12mpg towing a 5th wheel everwhere. Trust me on that one I did it for about 6 months. The only thing is, if you go above 60 it drops to about 8mpg....
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Posting Legend
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302 swap
Racerdave, do you have any idea of what you are talking about?
#1 -I don't think I have used that "displacement" saying but one or two times in the two years I have been on this board. Others use it a lot tho.
#2 -With proper gearing the 460 can get good mileage. It is only when it is improperly geared that it gets the same mileage loaded or empty.
#3 -An above 60 mileage drop is indicative of an improperly geared 460 also.
#1 -I don't think I have used that "displacement" saying but one or two times in the two years I have been on this board. Others use it a lot tho.
#2 -With proper gearing the 460 can get good mileage. It is only when it is improperly geared that it gets the same mileage loaded or empty.
#3 -An above 60 mileage drop is indicative of an improperly geared 460 also.
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