Big Block or Not?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Big Block or Not?
I am facing a dilema: put a small block (302) back into my truck, move up to a 351, or go with my dream and start digging around for the necesary big-block components? My 302 has developed some serious issues (cracked block) and so I must look into options, the only prerequisite is that anything I do must be low budget. From what I gather, this may exclude the big-block.
Any advice?
Any advice?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
just replace it with a 302 or 351W, they are cheap and everywhere. Since you are on a budget, and if this is a Daily driver, leave the pipe dream big block onthe engine stand and work on it when you have time.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
You will need a different front cover because the EFI cars do not have a mechanical Fuel pump. You will also need to add a fuelpump eccentric to the front of the timing gear.
You can use the earlier model distributor if you put the cam gear off of the EFI dizzy onto the NON-EFI dizzy. The HO engines have a roller camshaft and take a different gear.
Another note, you must wire the HO plug wires up in the HO firing order. It is the same as a 351W not a 302.
You must also put on an earlier model (Any non HO serpentine belt) water pump. The HO pumps turn backwards because of the belt routing. A replacement pump for your truck will work fine.
I oilpan is the only thing that I am not sure about. The dipstick goes into the pan on the HO engines. I am pretty sure that a 87-up truck pan should work though.
One last thing, only the Mustangs and LSC MarkVII's had the actual HO engine in them with the roller cams. The Crown Vic/ Town Car type 5.0's look the same on the outside, but use flat tappet lifters instead of rollers.
Jimmy
You can use the earlier model distributor if you put the cam gear off of the EFI dizzy onto the NON-EFI dizzy. The HO engines have a roller camshaft and take a different gear.
Another note, you must wire the HO plug wires up in the HO firing order. It is the same as a 351W not a 302.
You must also put on an earlier model (Any non HO serpentine belt) water pump. The HO pumps turn backwards because of the belt routing. A replacement pump for your truck will work fine.
I oilpan is the only thing that I am not sure about. The dipstick goes into the pan on the HO engines. I am pretty sure that a 87-up truck pan should work though.
One last thing, only the Mustangs and LSC MarkVII's had the actual HO engine in them with the roller cams. The Crown Vic/ Town Car type 5.0's look the same on the outside, but use flat tappet lifters instead of rollers.
Jimmy
Last edited by LxMan1; Jan 4, 2004 at 05:37 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
Just a thought, but instead of pulling the timing cover, etc to add a fuel pump, a good quality electric pump with regulator could be used in its place too. Being that the truck is a 4spd, and not a 4x4, the BB swap could actually be undertaken fairly economically. Switch the bellhousing out, and its a fairly straightforward bolt in
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
True, But since the current 302 already has all of the needed front cover and eccentric, plus the fact that the current exhaust sustem and accesories will bolt right up, For the money the 5.0HO is the better choice.
I personally removed a tired 351w from my 77 and installed a 77 Mark V Lincoln 460/tranny.
I had to locate the proper frame mounts, redo the exhaust, modify the alt. wiring to keep the 100amp lower mounted alt. and finally found the proper PS pump/bracket that didn't weigh 300lbs and have a GM style PS pump with 2 return lines.
Oh and the 87-89 5.0HO has 225hp and 300 lb/ft of torque.
The 77 460 has 237hp and 365 lb/ft of torque. Not a big difference for the hassle.
Jimmy
I personally removed a tired 351w from my 77 and installed a 77 Mark V Lincoln 460/tranny.
I had to locate the proper frame mounts, redo the exhaust, modify the alt. wiring to keep the 100amp lower mounted alt. and finally found the proper PS pump/bracket that didn't weigh 300lbs and have a GM style PS pump with 2 return lines.
Oh and the 87-89 5.0HO has 225hp and 300 lb/ft of torque.
The 77 460 has 237hp and 365 lb/ft of torque. Not a big difference for the hassle.
Jimmy
Last edited by LxMan1; Jan 4, 2004 at 11:06 PM.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 46
From: Kemmerer, Wyoming
I spent about $700 to swap out my I-6 for a 390... fulfilled my dream! However, I bought a complete donor truck for the swap, which is a necessity for any kind of engine family change. If you really want it bad enough, look around... you'll find it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
From: iowa
hey wait a minute! sdloe has a carbed 302 right? There 302 ho came out in 1982 and was carb up thru 1985.
1982 302 ho 157 hp and 240 torque (2bbl)
1983 302 ho 175hp and 245 torque (4bbl)
1984 302 ho 175hp and 245 tq (4bbl)
1985 302 ho 210 hp and 270 tq (4bbl)I would try to find one of these motors that are carb are check out a 351ho they had 210 hp and 305 tq.
1982 302 ho 157 hp and 240 torque (2bbl)
1983 302 ho 175hp and 245 torque (4bbl)
1984 302 ho 175hp and 245 tq (4bbl)
1985 302 ho 210 hp and 270 tq (4bbl)I would try to find one of these motors that are carb are check out a 351ho they had 210 hp and 305 tq.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
From: iowa
mustang expert dude wants better about the 89-92 verus the 87 and 88? What is different about the heads? And since the dudes truck is carb it would be best to find another carb motor imo as opposed to messing with efi.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
From: iowa
pro3qtr I will answer my own questions. The camshaft changed in 1989. The profile was changed to reduce valvetrain noise. It actually reduced the output by three horsepower. The 1989s got mass airflow sensor which reduced a couple more horsepower. But was better for upgrades than the speed denisty. The heads changed in 1987 from the experment 1986 junk heads. they started using the e7te heads. Which are the standard truck heads. The heads never changed during the run after that. So i don't know whats different about them. And the piston change in 1993 was from forged aluminum to hypereutectic. and that year ford changed how they rated there horsepower and with the redutions over the years neted 205 hp and 275 torque for the 1993 gt.