Is there enough room in the engine compartment of a 1966 Ranchero for a 302?.....or at least a 289?

 

Yes, the '66 is the last Falcon based Ranchero and came stock with 289s.
302's are the same size block, so they fit too.

351 W is a question mark, and would be tight as it has a taller deck and header or manifold clearance becomes an issue.

FE motors won't fit without surgery, and unless you're building a drag racer with a serious FE, aren't an option.

429 or 460 slides right in after a bit of trimming with the gas ax as well.

The other option, heresy to most here, would be a small block chev. Pony up $20K and get one of those new 427 jobs. Only about 100lbs heavier than the 302 and big block power. Just think, you'd have the only one.

 

When I got mine, it had a 200 in it. Were there two stock engines for this year?

 

YES!
They came from the factory with an optional V-8.

 

The 200 was probably the "standard" engine.
289 2v, 289 4v were optional, the 289 Hi-Po might have been an option as well.

 

The 66 will take a 351W without engine compartment mods, I am planning on putting one I have back together and dropping it in when the weather warms up.
Pam

 

i have a 1966 falcon ranchero pickup that still has the origional factory 200 inline with the 3 on the tree...i have an 302 and a c-4 tranny out of a 1982 ford full size van that id really like to put in it but i hear that there is alot of modifying to get it to fit,what all would i have to do to install the 302? any answers would be greatly appreciated

 

Try looking at your other thread! Why ask the same thing twice on the same forum?