Engine Swap
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6
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Engine Swap
hey guys,
as some of you know i just bought a 79 f-150. it came to me with its original 302. the engine is in good shape but lacks the power im used to in my mustang. i was thinking about swapping it out with a cleavland 351. any feed back, advice, or comments is appreciated.
as some of you know i just bought a 79 f-150. it came to me with its original 302. the engine is in good shape but lacks the power im used to in my mustang. i was thinking about swapping it out with a cleavland 351. any feed back, advice, or comments is appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 549
Likes: 1
Engine Swap
If you are looking for power like the mustang has, why not just build up the 302? It will save a lot of time, and the extra money that would have been spent on the swap can go into the motor. Throw on a set of good headers. Then from there you can get a cam/intake/carb kit. Maybe while your at it you could port the heads. Before you know it the truck will have some pretty good get up and go. The motor is only making about 135 hp, 200-225 is a very realistic hp range to reach with not much money invested. Also, you may want to check the gear ratio. Going to a 3.50 or 3.73 ratio will give you more get up and go too. I would post the question of building it up in the 302 forum and see what others are doing. Something to think about. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 394
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Engine Swap
if u can even find a cleveland do it, it is one of the best street rod motors and stock u can get horses out of them. they will even bolt up to the small blk trans. a bit heavier but well worth it, id find whatever is cheap and go with it, dont limit your options i think anyone would be happy with a big block. 429 460 or even a 390 or 400. i had a bone stock 72 linc mark 2dr 460 4v and that sucker scooted for a land yacht, i could hang with most of my buddies stock mustangs
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
Engine Swap
Don't doubt that lil 302. It can be turned into a moster of a motor fairly cheap. Plus the 302 will hold together under higher RPM's. I've got a bone stock EFI 302 in my 86. Plus I've got a 95 EFI351 ready to drop into it. Just haven't been in a hurry with the punishment I put it thru and it keeps on ticking. once I do drop the 351 in. I'll refreash the 302 and keep for back up.
