Need Engine Advice
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Senior User
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Need Engine Advice
Hey guys, I have a '90 f150 with a 302. I originally wanted to have my engine rebuilt by a local shop but I decided to just buy a reman long block from Oreilly's. Then I realized that while I was at it, why not swap to a 94-96 302 instead.
From what I have learned the benefits to this would be a high output (explorer) roller camshaft and roller lifters. Also I know that this would be a direct plug and play, except I need a steel distributor gear and the firing order is different.
What I am trying to decide is whether or not I should get the roller 302 or just stick with my flat tappet non ho 302. The 87-91 (non roller) 302 is $1200 and the 94-96 (ho roller) 302 is $1600. Is the difference in price worth the benefits of swapping to roller? Or should I stick with original? Thanks for reading.
Tanner
From what I have learned the benefits to this would be a high output (explorer) roller camshaft and roller lifters. Also I know that this would be a direct plug and play, except I need a steel distributor gear and the firing order is different.
What I am trying to decide is whether or not I should get the roller 302 or just stick with my flat tappet non ho 302. The 87-91 (non roller) 302 is $1200 and the 94-96 (ho roller) 302 is $1600. Is the difference in price worth the benefits of swapping to roller? Or should I stick with original? Thanks for reading.
Tanner
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
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From: Central Wisconsin
I'd stick with the original style engine. Nothing wrong with a flat tappet engine… the HO may have a cam profile that will give you bit more power but less fuel economy. Not sure.
One thing I would do is find another source for the engine… O'Reilly's is way overpriced IMHO.
One thing I would do is find another source for the engine… O'Reilly's is way overpriced IMHO.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 19
From: Central Wisconsin
I guess I'd shop around to a few different parts stores and see what they can do on price. Don't call 'em or look online… walk in the door and tell them what you plan on doing. They all carry a line of rebuilt or remanufactured engines.
I would also talk to a couple independent shops who do heavy duty work. They will tell you who they use for rebuilt engines and may help you avoid getting a lemon.
I will confess o don't like dealing with O'Reilly's… they are the most expensive place I have ever bought parts. Now I will admit I get jobber price on my parts since I have 20+ year relationships with two other stores here in my hometown. But I can drive 20 minutes and get better prices from four other stores in the next town down the street where only one knows me… Advance, CarQuest, NAPA and a small independent store.
A couple year ago my friend priced a SBC rebuilt long block at 'The Leprechauns' store and he was quoted $2200.00… our local Federated quoted $1450.00.
Your mileage may vary.
I would also talk to a couple independent shops who do heavy duty work. They will tell you who they use for rebuilt engines and may help you avoid getting a lemon.
I will confess o don't like dealing with O'Reilly's… they are the most expensive place I have ever bought parts. Now I will admit I get jobber price on my parts since I have 20+ year relationships with two other stores here in my hometown. But I can drive 20 minutes and get better prices from four other stores in the next town down the street where only one knows me… Advance, CarQuest, NAPA and a small independent store.
A couple year ago my friend priced a SBC rebuilt long block at 'The Leprechauns' store and he was quoted $2200.00… our local Federated quoted $1450.00.
Your mileage may vary.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes there is, the absence of zinc in modern engine oils means you will need to put a ZDDP additive in with every oil change or risk wiping out the cam, and besides.. .if you can have a more powerful engine with no penalty why wouldn't you.
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One thing I thought about...would the different cam work just fine with my speed density? I know some aftermarket cams work with speed density so I assume a stock ho cam will run just fine.
Tanner
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes, the injectors are batch fired with SD so plug firing order doesn't matter.
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