The ancient question revisited.....
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The ancient question revisited.....
A little background info:
I currently own a 1988 F-150 4x4(reg cab short bed) with a 302 and a M50D. Last week my truck turned over 300K on the stock drivetrain(well majority of the drivetrain is stock i.e. newer clutch etc...) I'd really like a new truck but the prices have literally scared me into "restoring" my current truck.
Now the question that has no answer:
Would you--
(A)purchase a remanufactured 302 and replace the existing engine?
or
(B)purchase a remanufactured 300 I-6 and replace the existing engine?
I don't tow anything but a small (18ft) bass boat and most of my driving is in town. I'd really like to get the best gas milege possible, but I can't decide which engine will provide this. Will the 300 get better milege because it is a smaller engine? Or will the 302 get better milege because it doesn't have to work as hard to move the truck?
Thanks for your responces and feedback!
I currently own a 1988 F-150 4x4(reg cab short bed) with a 302 and a M50D. Last week my truck turned over 300K on the stock drivetrain(well majority of the drivetrain is stock i.e. newer clutch etc...) I'd really like a new truck but the prices have literally scared me into "restoring" my current truck.
Now the question that has no answer:
Would you--
(A)purchase a remanufactured 302 and replace the existing engine?
or
(B)purchase a remanufactured 300 I-6 and replace the existing engine?
I don't tow anything but a small (18ft) bass boat and most of my driving is in town. I'd really like to get the best gas milege possible, but I can't decide which engine will provide this. Will the 300 get better milege because it is a smaller engine? Or will the 302 get better milege because it doesn't have to work as hard to move the truck?
Thanks for your responces and feedback!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
The ancient question revisited.....
The cheapest route would be to find a low mileage 302 in a junkyard. However, I would rebuild the motor you have.
You'll find a lot of debate on which is better, a 300,302 or 351. Since you have a 302, the easiest would be to keep a 302. It's plug and play. A swap to a 300 I6 will require alot of work, a swap to a 351 requires less work, but still requires some work.
The 300 and 302 will get really close mileage, but the 300 has just a tad more torque at low-rpms. The 302 is better for everything else. Adequate torque and great hp.
'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
Check my Gallery
You'll find a lot of debate on which is better, a 300,302 or 351. Since you have a 302, the easiest would be to keep a 302. It's plug and play. A swap to a 300 I6 will require alot of work, a swap to a 351 requires less work, but still requires some work.
The 300 and 302 will get really close mileage, but the 300 has just a tad more torque at low-rpms. The 302 is better for everything else. Adequate torque and great hp.
'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
Check my Gallery
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: Rural Florida Panhandle
The ancient question revisited.....
When I was needing an engine change, I got some machine shop prices and found that for about $200 more than I would have in a rebored block with turned crankshaft, I could buy a new 5.0 short block from Ford Racing. They are in limited supply, but as of last month were still available. The engine comes with an Explorer cam, which should work fine in your truck. I actually put this one in a Mustang GT, and like the low-end torque better than the original. There are several speed shops which sell these engines, but I only found one (tip from my son) which does enough volume to have it drop-shipped from Ford with FREE shipping. Cost was $1299.
Of course you may have lower priced machine shops in your area.
Winford
54 F100 5.0 HO, 88F150 5.0, 91 Explorer, 98 Explorer 5.0, 92 Mustang GT
Of course you may have lower priced machine shops in your area.
Winford
54 F100 5.0 HO, 88F150 5.0, 91 Explorer, 98 Explorer 5.0, 92 Mustang GT
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee U.S.A.
The ancient question revisited.....
I've been told the 300/6 that I happen to have in my truck is actualy worse on gas than your 302 but the 300/6 is a stronger motor.
Meaning it has more torque.Hope this helps you in making a decision
Meaning it has more torque.Hope this helps you in making a decision
