1972 F100 Project
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Joined: Mar 2020
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1972 F100 Project
1972 2WD Long Bed Explorer Package
302 Automatic
2 Barrel Carb
First F100. Would like to slightly build the motor around 300-450HP. But I’ve been told the motor isn’t worth fooling with. I’m not against a motor swap but I want reliability more than anything.
I’ve seen people swap the front end of a crown Vic and put the 4.6 in but some people make it look easy and some make it sound like quite the project. Either way I’d have to take it somewhere to be done, I don’t have the proper tools or experience to be fabricating anything like that and would want it done right.
any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.
302 Automatic
2 Barrel Carb
First F100. Would like to slightly build the motor around 300-450HP. But I’ve been told the motor isn’t worth fooling with. I’m not against a motor swap but I want reliability more than anything.
I’ve seen people swap the front end of a crown Vic and put the 4.6 in but some people make it look easy and some make it sound like quite the project. Either way I’d have to take it somewhere to be done, I don’t have the proper tools or experience to be fabricating anything like that and would want it done right.
any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 413
Likes: 52
HP in a 302 is possible with a somewhat reasonable budget. Any more than that will build horsepower at the expense of torque and torque is what you will want in a truck. It it was mine, first, I would go through the suspension, steering, and brakes to ensure that the truck would be safe for more engine.
Next, I would locate a mid-90's 351 roller cam engine (there were about 8 at the local pick and pull last time I looked so they are available). It will mate up with your current transmission with a carb conversion and some mild upgrades. In the future you can add a 4R70W overdrive automatic, etc. The 351 will give you more power options with reliability and more important - torque.
Not saying that the 302 can't come close to your goal but at 450 HP they tend to crack in two and above 350 you will have rough idle and poor low-end that wouldn't be much fun in a truck.
But, at the end of the day it's your truck so head down the path that will make you enjoy it the most.
Next, I would locate a mid-90's 351 roller cam engine (there were about 8 at the local pick and pull last time I looked so they are available). It will mate up with your current transmission with a carb conversion and some mild upgrades. In the future you can add a 4R70W overdrive automatic, etc. The 351 will give you more power options with reliability and more important - torque.
Not saying that the 302 can't come close to your goal but at 450 HP they tend to crack in two and above 350 you will have rough idle and poor low-end that wouldn't be much fun in a truck.
But, at the end of the day it's your truck so head down the path that will make you enjoy it the most.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 119
There is no reason why a 302 cannot be built to 300-450 hp. It's been done many times. Swapping in a 460 or 390fe is also an option. It's always cheapest to stay with what you have unless you have parts trucks are a lot of parts on hand.
If you don't want to tackle fabrication staying with the original motor or a motor that was offered in the truck is probably your best option.
My 2 cents.
If you don't want to tackle fabrication staying with the original motor or a motor that was offered in the truck is probably your best option.
My 2 cents.
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Thanks guys, I’m not against swapping the motor and building something else out. Whether it be a 351, 4.6, newer 5.0 etc. And if it needs to be something to where I pull a motor and trans out of something and have it fuel injected so it’s more reliable and modern that’s fine as well.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 102
From: The Hotel California
The very first thing that I would think about is.How much do I want to spend.Having some one else do the work for you always costs more than doing it your self. They might get it done quicker but how much do you really want to spend.? I would get your current motor running if it does not.Then save for the motor that you want.
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Motor runs fine, it’s just nothing special and it’s a 72 so who knows the last time it’s been gone through if ever.
If I could spend $3000 and get 300hp reliably out of my motor and not have to touch it for 5-10 years great.
But if someone told me I could pull another motor out of something else, it be fuel injected, more reliable and spend $5000 then I’d wait for that.
I want a solid motor not a cheap one.
If I could spend $3000 and get 300hp reliably out of my motor and not have to touch it for 5-10 years great.
But if someone told me I could pull another motor out of something else, it be fuel injected, more reliable and spend $5000 then I’d wait for that.
I want a solid motor not a cheap one.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
Shane, check out "S and J Engines.com". They have 302 long blocks for between $1620 and $3000. Maybe that will give you an idea for which way to go (build up your engine or buy a rebuilt one). They have 351's also. I didn't look at them for prices. They have a 7yr or 100,000 mile warranty).
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
Hey Shane, great truck and a fine engine for it. Just got one with the same configuration, but in a 70' model. With a rebuilt engine with only 400 miles, but 14 years on it; my plan is to add a 4 barrel and headers, then totally rebuild the suspension to stock, then rebuild the brakes and add power disc up front. Already has power steering. Makes a fine lot of a truck with that only. Then maybe work on some creature comforts to suit myself. After that $$ 3000 is gone, can always add heads and internals for more hp, if its even wanted/needed then. Just my 2c.
Have some fun and keep it running and driving all the while is my plan. If you take too big a bite at first, you end up spending all your time chewing and don't get to savor the flavor !
Have some fun and keep it running and driving all the while is my plan. If you take too big a bite at first, you end up spending all your time chewing and don't get to savor the flavor !
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 464
Likes: 80
From: Evansville, Indiana
I'm agreeing with the guys here Shane. Add a few goodies to the 302 you have (electronic ignition, exhaust, reliable carburetor) and repair the other things on the truck (brakes, wiring, suspension, ect). The trucks have good bones, which is why we all keep buying, repairing, and driving them versus the turn key specials at the local dealer with the fat payment books. Once the timing is right, buy a nice long block and look into the fuel injection kits that Holley, Edelbrock and a few others are offering now days. Swap the engines on a weekend and keep trucking!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
Another vote to put some parts on existing 302 and spend some money on all the other things to make the truck solid and enjoyable. Do it in small steps to keep the truck only a month or two from driving. Big power and the supporting mods is expensive. Easy to spend $10-20K not including labor.
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