Hello,

I have a '76 F100 with a 360. The engine is tired and worn-out, and I originally wanted to have the 360 rebuilt into a 390. I talked to a local shop and the mechanic there said he would recommend getting a crate engine from Summit (probably a 302 or 351) and installing that because it would be a cheaper option. He said it would be hard to find parts for the 360/390's because they are older motors . I think I will go with a 302- its a lot cheaper than the 351, and I don't need a hot rod, just a good solid motor. My truck is a 4WD, manual transmission. I know I will need a different bell housing and flywheel. Are these parts ok to get used? I think it would be cheaper for me to round them up then to have him do it. Are there other parts that will have to be changed to make the 302 work?

If anyone has any insight/advice about this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Matt

 

302 not available with 4WD until 1980, and 1980 and later engine/trans mounting parts will not work on 1979 or earlier.

1968/76 360/390 engine parts are readily available from a gazillion auto parts stores, the only difference is the crank, rods and pistons. EVERYTHING else is the same.

Fix what you have, it will be a lot less labor intensive and you won't have to look for and spend the $$$ for a 302 and related parts.

 

I'd have to agree at least on the 302 part. Even though it's still more work than rebuilding what you have, a 351 would at least be a better choice than a 302 I feel.
Not only because it's near the same displacement as your 360, so not as big a shock to your system when it comes to low rpm torque ability, but because with that big heavy truck it's just a better choice anyway.
Even though they're the same basic family of engines, the 351W's main bearings are larger diameter and the stroke is longer than the 302. Making it, in my opinion anyway, a more suitable candidate for a 4wd pickup.

And especially with the 302 (even a built one) I would hope your gear ratios match your tire size very well. Or your little 302 might struggle more than you like to get going.
But back to your original dilemma, I don't remember seeing much about motor mounts, transmission mounts, etc. when it comes to our trucks. Maybe it's out there, but all the press was for 460 swaps to get a bigger engine, not smaller. I'm sure someone does it, but I have not seen it.

Unless you just don't like something about the 360, such as weight, or lack of performance parts (which might be what the guy was talking about, because replacement parts should not be an issue. As ND said), or fuel economy (which might not change no matter what engine you use) I would stick with it.
If you want to go with factory type fuel injection though, I can totally see going to a 351w swapped out of a nineties pickup truck or Bronco. Same architecture, more cool goodies to bolt on.
You can bolt a TBI EFI right on to your fresh 360 too though, just as easily.

Just throwing a few more ideas at you before you pull the trigger.
Bottom line though is that if you decided ultimately to go with a Windsor family engine (not it's original name, but good for differentiation here), go with the actual Windsor and get the larger 351.
Even at the higher price, I think you'd be smiles ahead.

Paul

 

Call around to some machine shops in your area with Ford FE experience. Here in the Orlando area I've got a lot of quotes for a mild build on my 390. Most fall between 1,200 - 2,000. There are a lot of replacement and performance parts out there for the FE. You'll get a much nicer engine for cheaper than the cost of a crate engine (plus the labor to install, modify, etc.)

But, if you swap it out tell us so one of us can buy the 360.

 

Thank you so much for the advice! It sounds like a 302 is not a great option. I think I will either get a 351 crate motor, or find another shop that is more willing to rebuild my existing motor. If I did go with a crate motor, would a 351 be a do-able install with my 4WD manual? Did they put the 351's in the 4WD's? I think I will explore rebuilding my 360 into a 390 more- that's originally what I wanted to do, but the mechanic talked me out of it. Its over 4 grand just for the 451 crate motor, which is more than I wanted to spend on the whole rebulld/install.

Thanks,
Matt

 

Definitely call around and rebuild your 360 into a 390, it'll most likely be cheaper and you'll be much happier. Don't know what that first shop was thinking