302 power problems
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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302 power problems
I have a 89 bronco with a 302. Its been rebuild about 10,000 miles ago, I am just about ready to get rid of it 
This thing has no!!!!! power. Are these engines a dog or what? I have changed the exhaust, ignition module, fuel injectors, fuel pump and filter, plugs cap rotor, timing. Everything I can think of to get more power out of this thing. I pull a 18 foot trailer and I can hardley get out of my own way. Does anybody have any Ideas or should I be looking for a new truck? Thanks Dan
This thing has no!!!!! power. Are these engines a dog or what? I have changed the exhaust, ignition module, fuel injectors, fuel pump and filter, plugs cap rotor, timing. Everything I can think of to get more power out of this thing. I pull a 18 foot trailer and I can hardley get out of my own way. Does anybody have any Ideas or should I be looking for a new truck? Thanks Dan
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,436
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From: Montana
302 isnt exactly a good towing motor....Its just not torquey enough, IMHO.
put it in a large vehicle and its just gonna be slow, and if your running larger tires than stock thats gonna hurt you too. If the motor is stock its probbobly not gonna get much better without mods.
put it in a large vehicle and its just gonna be slow, and if your running larger tires than stock thats gonna hurt you too. If the motor is stock its probbobly not gonna get much better without mods.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
what size tires are you running. might look into getting a gear swap to 4.10's this will help in the towing department. headers, edelbrock efi truck intake, aluminum heads, cam and larger throttle body will help alot to. Or sell that motor and swap over to a 351w and be in good shape.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,436
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From: Montana
Yep Thats what im talkin about. Without adding some power to that engine you could do just as good if not better with a strait 6 and some gears, and get great fuel economy. but i think it needs gears.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
with a complete 351w all you would change is the ecu (very easy) and the flexplate as well. you would use your 302 harness on the 351 and away you go. it took me a weekend to pull 302 and a weekend to install 351 . really easy i thought and i am an average mechanical skill
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
also , are you sure about the gearing. because stock is 3.55 in most unless you had already changed them over . check the tag on the rear axle just to be sure.
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I will check the tag, Thanks. Did you do anything different to the 351 when you put it in? Did you notice any differance? What kind of 351 did you put in? (windsor,clevland)?
I know these are a lot of questions but I really dont want to go through the work if there is not much differance. Thanks Dan
I know these are a lot of questions but I really dont want to go through the work if there is not much differance. Thanks Dan
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
its almost night and day difference. i also gained some mpg on the hwy to. I got 12/14 with the 302 and i now get 12/16 with the 351. I didnt do anything to the motor its stock but low miles. got a used one from the wrecking yard. the windsor is the only 351 you can install in there. just and fyi, the 302 puts out 220 ftlbs of tq and the 351w puts out 310. and has much more potental to.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
Originally Posted by AYoungblood
180 hps and 270 torque.
IMO the 302 has MUCH more potiental because its the mustang motor so there are a ton of mods.
Adam
IMO the 302 has MUCH more potiental because its the mustang motor so there are a ton of mods.
Adam
that motor has lots of potential ( in a mustang) but not in a 6000 lb truck. also with the majority of these trucks/broncos being speed density that really limits what can be done to the motor. Thats why a 351w swap would be a better start because in stock form it performs better then with a few minor mods it really comes alive.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
yes you could use the gt40 intake which produces some good torque, but as for forced induction they run a tweecer system that is spendy to aquire but allows for a person to keep the speed density system.