I know I have asked many questions on the subject but I just don't want to dump the money to find out the hard way. Currently a 1972 Ford f100 with the 302, c4 transmission, twin I beam 2 wd. All factory Other than a bore and 1979 heads. have been doing a LOT of research on a replacement engine.
TO THE POINT: my engine is dying and getting worse almost by the day. There Is a guy that I know that has a 5.0, 302 out of a 1991 mustang. High output. As far as I know the only difference between the HO and not, is the roller cam firing order and a few others. To the extent of my knowledge to take that engine and make it work with my truck would be ripping all the wires off (referring to cam crank) removing the intake, replacing with my carbureted intake. Attaching a different distributor (for not having a fancy computer.) And changing the flex plate to a 157 tooth keeping the 50 oz imbalance, and changing the oil pan/pick up tube to what is currently in my truck (because the different suspension/steering causing the difference in the two)
Could someone please 're assure me and point out anything I can, and probably will, be missing? And will my transmission bolt up to that block?
EXTENT OF KNOWLEDGE of donor engine: (far as I know) the man I'm buying it from has been stuck at our local gas station. (Live literally middle of nowhere.) He bought the engine to replace his, to where the man he bought it from claimed to be able to swap into his truck no problem. Till after he bought it.where computers being different became a problem. Supposedly the mustang was wrecked and parted out. Thank you all.
Sorry fir long post.

 

Just curious: why would this be better than just rebuilding the 302 you have now? With all the effort you would be putting into the '91 engine, especially since you would be stripping off all the electronics and the fuel injection, it seems like you would be better off sticking with the original motor.

 

And the new motor might be a gamble as well. How is your "engine dieing" have you done a compression test or anything yet?

 

Yes. You might be trading one bag full of trouble for another.

 

I agree...if you rebuild what you have you essentially get a new engine. Versus if you swap it out for a used motor you don't know how long it will last. You can buy a 302 core if you want to have it built before you do the swap.

 

Have done compression tests. The best cylinder was at 95. Lowest was about 79. The others were staggered in between. The heads are good, those have all ready been replaced. The block has been bored by original owner. This is my daily driver and do not have the time to rebuild. Was planning on a 3 day swap/retro fit.oil pressure is through the roof after someone tried stealing it and over heated it, blew an oil line and buried it in the sand. And I can hear knocking after being on the freeway for about 10 miles

 

Is the idea to take a Friday off and do it over the weekend?

 

Technically. But during the week so parts shops are open. Day 1 remove old block, swap over what I can. Day 2 finish retro fit begin replacing block. Day 3 for just incase and test run. Turns out that motor burns oil anyway. Pulled the plugs on it. Think I'm just going to have to wait till I have the funds for the atk crate motor

 

Sorry to hear it. Kinda sounds like you're in a tight spot.
C

 

When doing a swap to a different yr of engine plus stripping it down from a EFI to a carb the has the serpentine belts many things can get over looked unless you've do this same swap before.

And sure as Shxxt something will get in your way where you'll have to over come that unforeseen problem that could cause you many days of a not running vehicle that was unplanned.

So a lot of home work researching this will get you on the road the fastest.

Orich

 

Why not buy a used 302 from your year range and have THAT rebuilt? Then when it's ready take your three days and swap it over.

 

Not a bad idea. If your troubles are confined to the block and rotating assembly, you might find something locally that will keep you on the road until you can afford the time and money for a proper rebuild.

Something like this: https://charleston.craigslist.org/pts/5500973506.html

 

Most rebuild shops already have units built and ready to go, pick it up do your swap and then take your old one back to the rebuilder. Like others have said you could just be doing a whole lot for nothing, you would hate to have to do it again.

 

May be a set of heads can give you many months if not longer time to get by until a better rebuilt time. Just a thought
Orich