302 vs. 302
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 28
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From: Mims, Fl.
302 vs. 302
[1]-- I am looking to replace my 302 on my '78 F-100 but how can I tell if I am getting what I want? there are so many 302's with different HP during the sixties and seventies it's pathetic. I may want to get a good running 302 out of a car or a truck, which ever serves my purpose. Can I use a motor from a A/T on my stick shift? What do I have to look for? [2]-- Are there any changes to make if I want to use a big block such as a 360 or 390?. Which is the better motor of the two and why? [3]-- What do I have to do to change to a power steering unit?.
Please note tere are three different questions with several questions within each question. I would appreciate it if I could get all the questions answered. If it's to much for one person perhaps someone else can answer the other questions or questions?
Thanks much..
Bob
Please note tere are three different questions with several questions within each question. I would appreciate it if I could get all the questions answered. If it's to much for one person perhaps someone else can answer the other questions or questions?
Thanks much..
Bob
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 298
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From: Denver
302 vs. 302
Can you afford down time? If so rebuild what you have to what ever you want. If you want a higher HP motor go with a roller cam motor, I think 84+ cars 87+ truck. I wouldn't go to a 360-390, if you want to go big block go 429,460. Things to watch fo when getting an automatic or manule tranny engine- some times the crankshaft is not drilled to fit the other on ex- an automatic crankshaft may not be drilled to fit a piolet bearing which you need with a stick and the manule tranny may not have the provession for the torque convertor. I hope that I have hit all your questions, if not I will get the others.
Robert
72 F100 Ranger XLT W/ 86 5.0L EFI W/ AOD
krazdndenver(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
www.geocities.com/krazdndenver
Robert
72 F100 Ranger XLT W/ 86 5.0L EFI W/ AOD
krazdndenver(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
www.geocities.com/krazdndenver
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
302 vs. 302
Something to keep in mind, these 302's are externally balanced. You have to use the correct damper and flywheel/flexplate that goes with the crank. The balance changed in '82 so your flywheel is only good up to '81. If you get a later engine, you need it's flywheel instead. AFAIK, no problem going from auto to stick on the cranks, just slam in a pilot bushing.
Barry
Barry
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 479
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From: Miami U.S.A.
302 vs. 302
BBB where were you about 7 years ago when I did a swap in my 74? We pulled old motor swapped in new one. Used ALL the components of the 74 302 to the newer 302 (I think it was out of mid 80's van) and that thing had a bad vibration when you drove it. If you were out side of it you would never know it had a problem. Get in side the cab and it would just about drive you nuts. Blew that motor exactly 2 days after warranty ran out. Which was 32 days after I bought it. Going home for Christmas. Thats when I went to the darkside (CHEBBY). Drove that little truck (S-10) for about 8 months and got rid of it. Then I went with out a vehicle at all for about 6 months. That was a weird time.
Any way wish I had known then that the fly wheels wouldn't interchange. Oh well we live we learn.
Scotty
Any way wish I had known then that the fly wheels wouldn't interchange. Oh well we live we learn.
Scotty
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Collierville, TN
302 vs. 302
Go with another small block. I'm no authority on them, but others here can tell you most of what you need to know. Check out the appropriate motor forum, too.
The FE series big blocks (360, 390, etc.) would not be a good choice for you. It would require major changes, including towers, trans, etc. While the FE's are good motors (I'm kind of partial to them -- I'm building a 428 right now for my '69), they are also expensive to build and parts are harder to find when compared to the small block and the 385 series (429, 460) big blocks.
The FE series big blocks (360, 390, etc.) would not be a good choice for you. It would require major changes, including towers, trans, etc. While the FE's are good motors (I'm kind of partial to them -- I'm building a 428 right now for my '69), they are also expensive to build and parts are harder to find when compared to the small block and the 385 series (429, 460) big blocks.
