i have an '89 F-150. it has a 300 4.9 straight 6. i wanna add more power and horsepower. i am planning on purchasing a brand new 302. will i be able to switch these fairly easy? what else will need to be changed? would it even be worth the trouble? any help would b appreciated. thanks.

M.D.H
power-hungry 89 F150 lariat

 

Starting from front to back, first, you will need another radiator. You must have the ECM for a 5.0 because the one you have won't work. Then your linkages for the throttle, exhaust system, fuel line connections, motor mounts and who knows what else. I personnaly would not go through all that to gain 1.5 cubic inches. The easiest way is to have a parts truck available that had a 5.0 in it and you would have a much easier job.

 

this is just my opinion but I have driven trucks with both the 300 and a 302 and I would take the 300 any day of the week. it is a stronger motor. although the 302 will make power at higher rpms, I still preffer the low end power of the 300, which in my opinion the 302 does not have.

 

Personally, if you wish to gain some real power and don't mind the work, I would go with a 351w swap. My 93 Bronco has the 351 and it is a real screamer and isn't to bad on fuel either. Depending where you live, you should be able to find a wrecked truck with everything you need, or just buy a new truck :7. Hope it all works out for ya.

 

>Personally, if you wish to gain some real power and don't
>mind the work, I would go with a 351w swap.

now going from a 300 to a 351 is a different story. if you really want a different engine, then a 351 is the way to go.

 

i appreciate all of ya'lls help.im only 16 years old, and im looking at every possible way to get more speed. what are some modifications under $500 that i could do to increase my 0-60 speed. im manly into off the line speed, i dont care about top speed. thank ya'll very much for the help, and any more would be appreciated, thanks.

M.D.H

 

Going with a 302 for speed is a good way to go. You can build speed on a 302 easier/cheaper than with a 351 and considerably easier/cheaper than that of a 300.

Why?

The 302 has alot more aftermarket parts available. The 300 has very little, and some of 302 parts are interchangable with 351s.

BTW, if your looking for off-the-line speed, I would look into new rear end gears. 4:10's would help you considerably for that.



'93 F-150 loaded and modified!
Check my Gallery

 

I have done the swap. As long as you stay close in years swapping the motor is fairly straight forward. Yes, you do need a computer to match the motor and transmission. A computer for a 5-speed is different than a computer for an automatic. As far as all of the sensors and fuel lines, etc... they will all match up, once again as long as the motors are close to the same year. You will need to change the radiator and buy new frame mounts for the motor. You need a radiator for a V8, the six has the inlet and outlet on opposite corners. The exhaust needs to be changed. At the very least you will need to get a Y-pipe and weld an adapter to the catalytic convertor. I posted a detailed description in this forum back in March, it is titled 300 to 351 swap. It tells you EVERYTHING that I had to change or fix. Do a search in this forum for 351 swap, it will come up.

My suggestion would be if you are going to swap the motor, go with the 351. The 351 uses most of the same parts as the 302, and produces more HP and torque than the six and the 302.

My total for this swap is well over $2000, but I did sell my six for $650, so I guess my total is around $1350. But it is well worth it. My truck runs great!! And I could not be happier with the 351.