Engine Indecision
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 157
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From: FT POLK LA
Engine Indecision
My 86 F150 has the FI 302 in It. It has 215000 miles on it and is about worn out.
Im trying to debate wether to rebuild it, dump it for a rebuilt/remanufactured 302. Down size to the 300 or upgrade to the 351.
Im also trying to decide if I want to go carburated or stay injected.
I guess the main issue is what do I need.
I dont reall haul any heavy loads or tow anything. Being in flat territory Im not climbing mountains (but will be in 2 years
). I use it mostly to go back and forth to work, some long distance driving from time to time, going on back roads for hikes and and for use as a back up to my wifes Sentra.
Decisions decisions
Any thoughts?
Im trying to debate wether to rebuild it, dump it for a rebuilt/remanufactured 302. Down size to the 300 or upgrade to the 351.
Im also trying to decide if I want to go carburated or stay injected.
I guess the main issue is what do I need.
I dont reall haul any heavy loads or tow anything. Being in flat territory Im not climbing mountains (but will be in 2 years
). I use it mostly to go back and forth to work, some long distance driving from time to time, going on back roads for hikes and and for use as a back up to my wifes Sentra.Decisions decisions
Any thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Your best bet, IMHO is to go to a 351w....... you are mostly set up for that........ a few things to change, becasue most likley you'lll need to go carbed, but it'll be easier than going to a 300
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
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Ask this in the swap section of this website.
YOu could swap your current efi over to a 351w engine, the only real thing that you would have to purchase to do the swap would be a 351w upper and lower intake. Your existing 302 tranny will work as well. You will also need to make sure you get the correct flexplate for the 351w as the 302 uses a 50 oz and the 351w 28oz. If you wanna go carb go carb, its really up to you, the efi can be nice, but I like my carbed truck just the same. The carb motor responds to modifications a lot better than an efi, which will require a chip or programmer to fully gain a modifications potential, but again its up to you, good luck with your project.
YOu could swap your current efi over to a 351w engine, the only real thing that you would have to purchase to do the swap would be a 351w upper and lower intake. Your existing 302 tranny will work as well. You will also need to make sure you get the correct flexplate for the 351w as the 302 uses a 50 oz and the 351w 28oz. If you wanna go carb go carb, its really up to you, the efi can be nice, but I like my carbed truck just the same. The carb motor responds to modifications a lot better than an efi, which will require a chip or programmer to fully gain a modifications potential, but again its up to you, good luck with your project.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Petersburg, MI
If you go 351 you'll also need the 351 distributor(different size oil pump drive shaft), harmonic balancer 28 oz and exhaust y pipe. Since you don't do any towing the 302 is probably fine for your needs. I'd get a reman, they're very reasonably priced, decent warranty and cheaper(and easier) than rebuilding it yourself. This is just my opinion, I've put 4 reman engines is various vehicles I've owned over the last 5 years and never had a problem with any of them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
Since you asked about the 6 cylinder also, I was wondering if you were looking for more HP? If your not looking for a huge HP or torque increase then why not stick with the 302. If you talk to a local machine shop they should be able to set you up real good with rebuilding your 302, and getting more HP and torque if you want.
