Rebuild kit?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2023
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Rebuild kit?
Hello, I’m looking for an engine rebuild kit for my 1986 f-250. It was swapped by the previous owner with a 302 from a 1978 Lincoln town car. Would this be the same as an engine from a 1978 ford?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
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From: Evansville, Indiana
As a former Continental Town Car owner I am pretty sure that the 1978 Town Car had only two engine options. The base 400 and the 460 like mine had. The 400 is basically a stroked 351 so I suppose it could easily be mistaken for a 302. The 400 is a torque maker with no horse power.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
1978 Lincoln Versailles (based off the Ford Granada) was the only 1978 Lincoln to come with the 302. It's basically the same as the Ford/Mercury 302's.
Putting a 302 into an F250 is nuts. The engine doesn't have the horse power and torque that an F250 needs.
Are you sure it's a 302? 302 valve covers are retained to the head with 6 bolts. 351M/400 came in these trucks, valve covers used 8 bolts.
460's also came in these trucks (2WD only), valve covers use 7 bolts.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
As a former Continental Town Car owner I am pretty sure that the 1978 Town Car had only two engine options. The base 400 and the 460 like mine had. 
The 400 is basically a stroked 351 so I suppose it could easily be mistaken for a 302.
The 400 is a torque maker with no horse power.
The 400 is basically a stroked 351 so I suppose it could easily be mistaken for a 302.
The 400 is a torque maker with no horse power.No timing cover per se, just a flat engine cover plate // The fuel pump mounting bolts are at 12 & 6 o'clock, fuel pump bolts to the left side of the block, not to the timing cover, since they're isn't one.
Valve cover is retained to the head with 8 bolts, the thermostat housing is unique, as is the thermostat. I'm a little rusty since I've been away almost 3 years, or I could think of more features.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 1,161
From: Tolland, CT
You might want to contact a local auto machine shop and see they can help you with. You'll want them to measure and machine the block and heads, and clean the parts.
They will also know what parts work over time.
They will also know what parts work over time.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
For the kit for a 302, there are two major differences, 1981 and older uses a 28 oz imbalance rotating assembly just like the 351W has, 1982 and newer uses a 50 oz imbalance rotating assembly.
Aside from that the 302 block is pretty much the same.
Aside from that the 302 block is pretty much the same.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 1,161
From: Tolland, CT
FWIW, I googled 1978 lincoln ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Are you sure what you got...
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...t=gws-wiz-serp
That will give you some ideas, still I'd talk with a local expert at a machine shop if you're not sure about what you're doing.
You might want to call Summit Racing and talk with one of their experts too. Nice to speak with someone you can trust. I have spoken with them a number of times over the years.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Are you sure what you got...
https://www.google.com/search?q=1978...t=gws-wiz-serp
That will give you some ideas, still I'd talk with a local expert at a machine shop if you're not sure about what you're doing.
You might want to call Summit Racing and talk with one of their experts too. Nice to speak with someone you can trust. I have spoken with them a number of times over the years.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2023
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[QUOTE=NumberDummy;20813242]1978 Lincoln Town Car was not available with a 302. Depending on where it was sold new, it either came with a 400 or 460.
1978 Lincoln Versailles (based off the Ford Granada) was the only 1978 Lincoln to come with the 302. It's basically the same as the Ford/Mercury 302's.
Putting a 302 into an F250 is nuts. The engine doesn't have the horse power and torque that an F250 needs.
Are you sure it's a 302? 302 valve covers are retained to the head with 6 bolts. 351M/400 came in these trucks, valve covers used 8 bolts.
460's also came in these trucks (2WD only), valve covers use 7 bolts.[/QUOTE
I’m positive it’s a 302… could be a Versailles… it has 6 bolts
1978 Lincoln Versailles (based off the Ford Granada) was the only 1978 Lincoln to come with the 302. It's basically the same as the Ford/Mercury 302's.
Putting a 302 into an F250 is nuts. The engine doesn't have the horse power and torque that an F250 needs.
Are you sure it's a 302? 302 valve covers are retained to the head with 6 bolts. 351M/400 came in these trucks, valve covers used 8 bolts.
460's also came in these trucks (2WD only), valve covers use 7 bolts.[/QUOTE
I’m positive it’s a 302… could be a Versailles… it has 6 bolts
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From: Virginia
When they went to the 50 oz inbalance, they went to a 1 piece rear main seal, so that makes the block around the seal area different. Also make sure the block you are using has a provision for a rear sump dipstick. Some didn't, so you need round up a rear sump oil pan with the dipstick in the pan.
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