Hey all
Have a 1974 f100 short bd it has had it blasted by a local mobile dustless blasting serivice so it is nice and clean only a few small ding to deal with and the fenders have old body work just going to replace them need to rlace the floor pans had rubber mates so they were rusted out

We have the djm dream kit front ant back it has a 360 lower end was redone 30,000 miles ago and the heads redone a few right before I purchased it so the motor is good. This truck is going to be a driver. So what is people options on engine setup should we keep the 360 (.03 over) and add intake cam and headers to wake it up or leave the motor as is build a 302
The reason for the thought on 302 is more cheaper after market parts
Not need the truck to be a go fast truck rather have it a quick and go freeway cruser
It has a c6 that most likely needs a rebuild

Planing on paint color 2014 ford ruby red currently on vintage americian racing mags will keep those
Let me know what you think

 

I'm far from being an expert but I'm just gonna throw some things out here because I have a 302/C6 combo... First off the 302 isn't an FE engine. The 302 isn't a very good truck motor in my opinion. I'm looking to do a 351 Windsor build. The 351W is related to the 302. There are plenty of fair price aftermarket parts for the 351W. Very popular engines for the mustang guys so parts are plentiful. 302 bolts up the same as the 351W so maybe that's something to think about. There's no replacement for displacement. Back to my 302. She runs very good. I have a 4 barrel edelbrock and a mild cam in her. Man she rumbles nice. Has a pretty rough idle I just love but just not enough power for me. She doesn't have the quickest takeoff. Extremely reliable engine though. I've had no issues with it. Horrible on the freeway! Anything over 65 MPH and she's roaring pretty loud. RPMs are too high. Tire size and rear gears play into this of course. She really really loves her gas. Drinks like the owner does! Haha I've just always thought that the C6 is too big of a tranny for a 302. Robs a lot of power. I've never had a 360 so I can't really say much about it. Heard they're horrible on gas and are really major dogs. That may change with a mild build I don't know. This May or may not help you at all. Just wanted to say some of my experience. Good luck with whatever route you choose

 

Personally, I would get the parts for the current 360 and see if you're happy with the power. From what you say, it should be a healthy engine for a while. Also, 360s handle abuse fairly well, and are known to be reliable (albeit not the most powerful).

If you want more power, the fix is easy. Find yourself a 390. Your parts would swap over; they aren't a lost investment. Or you could swap the 390's rotating assembly into your block (forum has tons of info).

Besides, I think the FE engines have nostalgia the 302 just doesn't have. . .

 

A 302 for a cruiser 2WD shortbed is "just okay". I would not tow another vehicle with a 302.. it's a dog, especially on rolling hills or long inclines. 302s can be built for torque but the power band will be at a higher RPM than an FE whose middle name is torque and torque rules on the street.

Put a TKO 5-speed behind the current FE and the fun factor increases exponentially. Get a short shaft version and it'll bolt up to an FE bell.

If going Windsor then opt for the 351W.. more cubes and cross-compatibility with the 302 for the most part.

 

I have a 347 stroker in my 74 short bed and it has plenty of low end for a daily driver. That said, I would look for an overdrive transmission to back your 360. Im on the hunt for a 5spd myself. I'll be going with a T5 most likely.

 

Sorry I know the 302 is not a fe from my mustang days . Going to keep it auto we are in the Sacramento area so not too many hills. I like the thoughts about torque want the low end for getting on the freeway it's a truck not going to be going 100 mph often. I am thinking the 360 would have better low end to to shorter stroke then

The rear is a 370 something (trailer special) plus it is currently a number matching truck

So thinking intake carb header upgrade and see how she dose

 

Be sure to post back with your progress. Id be interested to see how you like it and how it turns out. Have any pictures you could share?
I have a bunch of family in Sac.