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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 13
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Hello fellas. I have a 1990 f150. 302 motor. I was wanting to be built the motor with my niece. It’s her first owned truck. She wants to do an engine swap. But I want to rebuild. Again we’re not mechanics be I’ve worked on other projects. So I have the confidence in assisting her in what she wants to do. So my question is what would be the easiest swap. Or best. Modification we could do
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 219
From: Northwest
I hear the part "we are not mechanics" loud and clear.
What is your budget for this project ?
Even if you went the route of buying a rebuilt short block and bolting on the heads, manifolds, oil pan, etc..... That takes a bit of mechanical aptitude.
You could send the heads out and have them rebuilt locally but even at that you need to have the knowledge to correctly install and torque the heads.
If you get into the engine and find out you are in over your head... What is your "Plan B" ?
Just a few things to consider before pulling the engine.
What is your budget for this project ?
Even if you went the route of buying a rebuilt short block and bolting on the heads, manifolds, oil pan, etc..... That takes a bit of mechanical aptitude.
You could send the heads out and have them rebuilt locally but even at that you need to have the knowledge to correctly install and torque the heads.
If you get into the engine and find out you are in over your head... What is your "Plan B" ?
Just a few things to consider before pulling the engine.
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
I hear the part "we are not mechanics" loud and clear.
What is your budget for this project ?
Even if you went the route of buying a rebuilt short block and bolting on the heads, manifolds, oil pan, etc..... That takes a bit of mechanical aptitude.
You could send the heads out and have them rebuilt locally but even at that you need to have the knowledge to correctly install and torque the heads.
If you get into the engine and find out you are in over your head... What is your "Plan B" ?
Just a few things to consider before pulling the engine.
What is your budget for this project ?
Even if you went the route of buying a rebuilt short block and bolting on the heads, manifolds, oil pan, etc..... That takes a bit of mechanical aptitude.
You could send the heads out and have them rebuilt locally but even at that you need to have the knowledge to correctly install and torque the heads.
If you get into the engine and find out you are in over your head... What is your "Plan B" ?
Just a few things to consider before pulling the engine.
well I’m not worried about the budget. And I’m kind of mechanically inclined. I know my way around. An engine I’ve rebuilt tractor motors. I’ve asked friend but they always talk about major. Swap like with major fab work. This is just so I can’t learn with my niece. Since she in very intrigued with motors.
we have been reading. And doing our research. Plus I do have friends that like to race and stuff. So if ever I have problems I could ask them. I would involve them but they tend to become to involved. I just want this to be our project
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Given that the title of your thread is "upgrade" I suspect you want something better than a stock motor, that isn't difficult to do but it's pretty easy to put together a combo that exceeds the control capacity of the factory EFI system and if you do that the truck will require some expensive non engine upgrades to run "normally".
What you can do that will be an upgrade that won't over complicate things is use an EFI friendly performance cam and install a complete exhaust system with headers... shorties if you want a system that can be bolted on yourself. Otherwise rebuild the motor to stock specs following a rebuilders guide like this .
What you can do that will be an upgrade that won't over complicate things is use an EFI friendly performance cam and install a complete exhaust system with headers... shorties if you want a system that can be bolted on yourself. Otherwise rebuild the motor to stock specs following a rebuilders guide like this .
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,342
Likes: 1,318
From: Central Mississippi
Find a 94 up roller cam 5.8 & rebuild it if needed. (the late Explorer engines are roller too)
Instant stroker with associated torque & HP increase without the cost of a kit, hi-po parts or the possibility of flat spotting ($$$) a flat tappet cam in a new rebuilt engine.
Plenty room to grow in the future if you get the hook
Instant stroker with associated torque & HP increase without the cost of a kit, hi-po parts or the possibility of flat spotting ($$$) a flat tappet cam in a new rebuilt engine.
Plenty room to grow in the future if you get the hook
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,553
Likes: 2,034
From: North Texas
That 90 will have a roller block. My 05/88 did and my pal's 12/88 too. Obviously 302s
Heads are the key and a modest camshaft.
Agree, try to start with a 351W and budget an AOD freshen too. At least you should have the six clutch stamped steel direct drum.
Heads are the key and a modest camshaft.
Agree, try to start with a 351W and budget an AOD freshen too. At least you should have the six clutch stamped steel direct drum.
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