302 to 460 or?
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From: alaska
302 to 460 or?
i have a 83 f250 4X4 with a bad,as in destroyed , 302 backed by a c6. i have a 76 1ton tow truck, 2X4 with a destroyed 390 backed by a 4speed . i want to to put the tow bed ,4 speed ,and one ton rear end on the 83. i dont want a 302 or a 390. ive had several options recommended ,stroked 351 , 400m, 300six, 460. i was wondering what would be the best . i would like to shoot for the low end grunt of the 390 and the gas economy of the 302 . this is going to be an over the summer project in preperation for next winter . any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . thanks for your time,bob 
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From: Littleton, CO
Hey Bob:
I think you spoiled it when you tossed in the "economy of a 302" line. If you wish to look at ease of swap, go with a 351w, if you want more punch, sroke it while you are at it. Find a bell housing to fit your W block and the 4-speed tranny should bolt up to it.
--Mike
I think you spoiled it when you tossed in the "economy of a 302" line. If you wish to look at ease of swap, go with a 351w, if you want more punch, sroke it while you are at it. Find a bell housing to fit your W block and the 4-speed tranny should bolt up to it.
--Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
I don't think I've ever heard of a 390 getting more than 12 realistic MPG. They had the worst head design of any ford... I think what you want is a 351M, or W.... with the W you can get an OD tranny, and still get some decent mileage and some grunt...
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I had a friend that went from a 400 to a 460 in a Big Bronco. Cost lots, the extra weight was noticable, had some cooling issues. Lots of nice power though.
Since you are starting with a 302 and auto, the easiest is to go to a 351w. Everything will fit much easier, and you may even be able to use the same motor mounts and trans.
You probably don't want a 6000 rpm 400 horse 351, but you can certainly make a 351 w run real good for not a lot of money. If you go stroker, you have near bb torque without the road-hugging weight of a 460.
Easiest and fastest swap is best. That way, you'll be driving it sooner.
IMH&BO
Since you are starting with a 302 and auto, the easiest is to go to a 351w. Everything will fit much easier, and you may even be able to use the same motor mounts and trans.
You probably don't want a 6000 rpm 400 horse 351, but you can certainly make a 351 w run real good for not a lot of money. If you go stroker, you have near bb torque without the road-hugging weight of a 460.
Easiest and fastest swap is best. That way, you'll be driving it sooner.
IMH&BO
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Sioux Falls SD
Originally Posted by Mattsbox99
I don't think I've ever heard of a 390 getting more than 12 realistic MPG. They had the worst head design of any ford... I think what you want is a 351M, or W.... with the W you can get an OD tranny, and still get some decent mileage and some grunt...
I had a friend with a 72 4x4 with a 390 four speed. Using a exaust analyzer while tuning the engine he rejetted the carb and went to 18mpg on the highway at 60mph with fairly high rear gear, don't remember the number.
Also had a neighbor with a 68 Galixy 500 and auto that got 18mpg all the way to 150+ 000 miles.
All depends how they are set up and how fast do you want to drive.
