I saw on a forum on best and worst engines and a BUNCH of people say the 302 is on thier crap list why???
I have had nothing but good luck with mine but will thier be future problems??
I have an 86 EFI 302 and it's been GREAT!
Oh someone told my that my 86 has Plastic timing sprockets?? Is that true??

 

are you sure it's an '86? I know atleast with the F-series the 302 wasn't EFI till '87...anyways i couldn't tell ya.

 

No, In 86 they went to complete EFI, and I wouldn't worry, one factor remains in engine longevity,routine oil and filter changes.
Everyone has an opinion, but the 302 is a stout design that can make good power and run for many miles.

 

well in the year '86 but model '87? lol

 

They are pretty good engines. I have one in my 85 F150 Flareside that is fuel-injected. They made them as an option in 85 fuel-injected and totally fuel-injected in 86.

-Matt

 

There pretty good engines, a little low on power for my tastes, but Im used to FE's that make a bunch so Im used to a lot of power.

 

Nope. 86 5.0's were injected

 

My GF has a 89 Grand Marquis witht he 150 hp 5.0. Runs good and I have no doubt it can lay waste to most of the rice posers around here easily. It doesn't seem to have any problem pushing that tank around.

Actually, I have heard that it is among the most reliable smallblocks made.

 

The cam gear is nylon set on a metal hub. The crank gear is all steel. They don't seem to be any better or worse than other designs, at least for stock use. 302/5.0 is my favorite V8, and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything bad about them...unless it was one of those brand "C" guys. -TD

 

I dont like nylon sprokets, my FE had one but was replaced with a peformance timing set which was all metal. Ford did it too decrease mechainical noise, a little chessy for me. Back on subject, does anyone know what year the 302 came out?

 

1968 was the first year for the 302. -TD

 

The only 302 I've ever had was worst than a boat anchor!!

 

I have an 85 efi F150..

 

The HO with roller cam and EFI in the stangs get my vote for THE best small V8 of all time! Would get 30 mpg on highway and pull any hill in OD.

 

I put a 302 in my 68 f-100 c-6 auto. been running it for at least 12 years still runs great. no problems