302?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Florida
302?
I recently purchased my big red truck and it came with a 302 from a later model, at least that's what I'm thinking. The only reason I say that is due to the serpentine belt. From what I understand the 1978 F-150 Ranger could have come with the 302 but it would have been a V-belt instead.
I want to restore this big red machine to close to original but I'm worried the 302 wont have enough pull to get out of its own way in this heavy machine. Sorry this truck was born before me and I'm working off internet information and parts people who will sell you anything.
Does any one have any experience with this?
Also if anyone knows where I can find the dash piece for under $250 I would be grateful.
I want to restore this big red machine to close to original but I'm worried the 302 wont have enough pull to get out of its own way in this heavy machine. Sorry this truck was born before me and I'm working off internet information and parts people who will sell you anything.
Does any one have any experience with this?
Also if anyone knows where I can find the dash piece for under $250 I would be grateful.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
A 302 is okay for am F150 on flat lands like Florida. Towing a dolly with another vehicle is another matter.. especially going uphill. It's underpowered in my opinion. I felt like a rolling 50 mph chicane!
However, I used to own a '76 longbed and it got 18 MPG.
Click the Tech Info Compilation in my signature and go to Vendors section... NPD, Mac's, Dennis Carpenter, and LMC Truck are but just a few of the parts sellers for these trucks. Be a savvy shopper and compare prices.. don't forget to factor in shipping costs. If I was in Florida, NPD would be my go-to place since they 've got a showroom and warehouse there.
However, I used to own a '76 longbed and it got 18 MPG.
Click the Tech Info Compilation in my signature and go to Vendors section... NPD, Mac's, Dennis Carpenter, and LMC Truck are but just a few of the parts sellers for these trucks. Be a savvy shopper and compare prices.. don't forget to factor in shipping costs. If I was in Florida, NPD would be my go-to place since they 've got a showroom and warehouse there.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
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The 302 is a short deck, short stroke engine. Does fine in a lighter PU but not really designed for heavy pulling. Does very well in light Mustangs and there is lots of aftermarket support.
Like all V8's of the mid to late '70's they got better with development in the 80's and beyond to meet emissions and make decent power and get decent fuel mileage. Mid to late 70's was a low point in V8 performance.
If you check or post your VIN (door plate) you can see what engine it was built with. If it was a 302 likely the original engine failed and was replaced by a later version with serpentine belt. The later version may be in some respects better (power + economy).
You can probably dress your current engine to look more original if you want. Or replace it with something else.
The big question is how does it run and how do you like it? Also what are your plans for it?... drive occasionally, tow heavy, race ect.
Like all V8's of the mid to late '70's they got better with development in the 80's and beyond to meet emissions and make decent power and get decent fuel mileage. Mid to late 70's was a low point in V8 performance.
If you check or post your VIN (door plate) you can see what engine it was built with. If it was a 302 likely the original engine failed and was replaced by a later version with serpentine belt. The later version may be in some respects better (power + economy).
You can probably dress your current engine to look more original if you want. Or replace it with something else.
The big question is how does it run and how do you like it? Also what are your plans for it?... drive occasionally, tow heavy, race ect.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Florida
As of now, it's driveway decoration. When I'm done I want to be able to take it out and show it off. I want it to be a little quick but no racing, just Sunday drives and maybe tow a boat, probably only 17-21 feet long nothing huge.
I've tried checking ford database for vin lookup and got nothing because its not the 17 digit vin. Is there a site I could go to for something like that, or i could post it tomorrow when its daylight again.
Thanks for all the info, NPD is the most expensive on the dash so far but I appreciate the info on a parts manufacturer that is close enough to home for a day off road trip.
I've tried checking ford database for vin lookup and got nothing because its not the 17 digit vin. Is there a site I could go to for something like that, or i could post it tomorrow when its daylight again.
Thanks for all the info, NPD is the most expensive on the dash so far but I appreciate the info on a parts manufacturer that is close enough to home for a day off road trip.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 759
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From: North Dakota
The 302 is a decent engine and can be modified for more power if you like. 302 likes to have a few rpms to get going. We have had an 87, 88, 90, and 96 F-150 with 302 in them. Pulled gooseneck stock trailers and loaded them down good and the 302 engines all pulled whatever load we put behind them... now we slowed on the hills, but we always got there!
If you want gobs of low end torque, the 302 is not the best choice.
If you want gobs of low end torque, the 302 is not the best choice.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
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From: El Dorado, Arkansas
Whatever the 302 may lack in low end torque can be made up for with lower (higher numerically) rear end gearing --3.50, 3.70, 3.89, 3.91, 4.11. This will make the engine run higher RPMs on the highway but, that can be brought back down with an overdrive transmission.
An overdrive transmission with a .68:1 overdrive ratio and a 3.50 rear end ratio would have a final drive equivalent of 2.38:1 (.68 x 3.50 = 2.38). In overdrive, it would be as if the rear end had 2.38:1 gears.
Final drive equivalent in overdrive with a 3.70 ratio would be 2.52:1.
3.89 would be 2.65:1.
3.91 would be 2.66:1
4.11 would be 2.79:1
An overdrive transmission with a .68:1 overdrive ratio and a 3.50 rear end ratio would have a final drive equivalent of 2.38:1 (.68 x 3.50 = 2.38). In overdrive, it would be as if the rear end had 2.38:1 gears.
Final drive equivalent in overdrive with a 3.70 ratio would be 2.52:1.
3.89 would be 2.65:1.
3.91 would be 2.66:1
4.11 would be 2.79:1
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Whatever the 302 may lack in low end torque can be made up for with lower (higher numerically) rear end gearing --3.50, 3.70, 3.89, 3.91, 4.11. This will make the engine run higher RPMs on the highway but, that can be brought back down with an overdrive transmission.
An overdrive transmission with a .68:1 overdrive ratio and a 3.50 rear end ratio would have a final drive equivalent of 2.38:1 (.68 x 3.50 = 2.38). In overdrive, it would be as if the rear end had 2.38:1 gears.
Final drive equivalent in overdrive with a 3.70 ratio would be 2.52:1.
3.89 would be 2.65:1.
3.91 would be 2.66:1
4.11 would be 2.79:1
An overdrive transmission with a .68:1 overdrive ratio and a 3.50 rear end ratio would have a final drive equivalent of 2.38:1 (.68 x 3.50 = 2.38). In overdrive, it would be as if the rear end had 2.38:1 gears.
Final drive equivalent in overdrive with a 3.70 ratio would be 2.52:1.
3.89 would be 2.65:1.
3.91 would be 2.66:1
4.11 would be 2.79:1
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I have a 302 in my 73 with the overdrive transmission. Throttle response is poor after it goes in to overdrive with 3:50 rear gears. Up to that it is real good but once in overdrive the engine runs real quiet with the rpm drop. I would recommend gearing at about 3:70 or 3:89 . JIM 
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 524
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From: Maryland
A 302 with overdrive needs at least around 3.70 gears, if your going to be pulling a small boat, go with 4.11s. If you wish, you could stick with your present trans (most likely a C6 auto) and gearing (most likely 3.25 or 3.50) but instead build a 351W or even stroke it to 393 or 408 to make up for slightly lower revs with low end torque. This will cost more money, but will def fit with your goal of showing off, a 408W will really make a half ton dance pulling away from a changing light
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New User
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From: Florida
I just want to say thank you for all the information. I'm still trying to look up the transmission code to figure out what it is but were making progress.
Just for you guys to have some closure, my truck was built in Ontario and did come stock with a 302. Hopefully its running this weekend for me to roll around in. I'm hoping to find the transmission part code look up on HIO silver's link.
UPDATE: http://www.mustangtek.com/FordDecode.html has some information I believe could help others with the search for more information. Based on the information on that site my transmission is original.
Just for you guys to have some closure, my truck was built in Ontario and did come stock with a 302. Hopefully its running this weekend for me to roll around in. I'm hoping to find the transmission part code look up on HIO silver's link.
UPDATE: http://www.mustangtek.com/FordDecode.html has some information I believe could help others with the search for more information. Based on the information on that site my transmission is original.
