302 vs. 300
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302 vs. 300
I currently have a 1988 f-150 with a 302, and a 5 speed transmission. And even with the lifter knocking in it it still runs like a top. I love this truck and the engine still has alot of power, but when it comes to the life left in it I start to wonder. It does pretty good on gas I guess, and it runs smooth except when accelerating hard. Thats when i hear the sound of the lifter, but I am not sure if that is what it is or not (so if anyone has any ideas let me know), but what this post is about is wether I should stick with the 302 v8 that I have now, or should I switch to a 300ci L6? I have heard great things abou both but I would like direct input about them, i.e. gas mileage, longevity, ease of work on it, and whether or not it will bolt up to the 5-speed tranny that I have in the truck now. Also I am not nessisarily obsessed with the power out put from either of these, it will mainly be used for long trips from charleston SC to Pensacola FL
Last edited by navynukedude; Jul 3, 2006 at 04:48 PM.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2003
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Its an 18 year old vehicle. So, you have to be realistic about it. My 92, has the 300, and NORMALLY it is reliable. But, it has been down for the last month with a electrical problem(I need to buy a computer, and it isnt a priority) So, that 302 may run for another 5 yrs, or you may go out tomorrow and it could throw a rod through the block.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: South Carolina
I would not go to the trouble of a powertrain swap. If you like the truck, I'd just replace the engine with another 302 if it dies. The nightmare of wiring harness swaps will far outweigh the benefit of retrofitting a 4.9 in place of the 5.0.
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Originally Posted by Cheggie
I would not go to the trouble of a powertrain swap. If you like the truck, I'd just replace the engine with another 302 if it dies. The nightmare of wiring harness swaps will far outweigh the benefit of retrofitting a 4.9 in place of the 5.0.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
What you are hearing is NOT lifter tap. You said you only hear the ticking sound on acceleration right?? Thats an exhaust leak at the manifold....
Do yourself a favor and skip the 302 and the 300....get the 351.
The 302 has bad low end tq...the 300 has bad HP...the 351 has both and will fit the 5 spd tranny and will work fine. You'd need to upgrade the tranny to a ZF 5 spd if you want more than stock power out of a 351 though.
Some may question that 5 spd's ability to handle the 351 but it will - it's rated at 330 input tq and the 351 is at 310. Ford didn't use it because it didn't meet their demands (they always make the parts more than strong enough and the M5 wasn't up there enough). But it'll work fine...and you can use a lot of 302 parts on a 351 if need be (helps with install).
300, 302, 351 virtually all get the same gas mileage....there is absolutely no reason to pick one or the other based on mileage.
Do yourself a favor and skip the 302 and the 300....get the 351.
The 302 has bad low end tq...the 300 has bad HP...the 351 has both and will fit the 5 spd tranny and will work fine. You'd need to upgrade the tranny to a ZF 5 spd if you want more than stock power out of a 351 though.
Some may question that 5 spd's ability to handle the 351 but it will - it's rated at 330 input tq and the 351 is at 310. Ford didn't use it because it didn't meet their demands (they always make the parts more than strong enough and the M5 wasn't up there enough). But it'll work fine...and you can use a lot of 302 parts on a 351 if need be (helps with install).
300, 302, 351 virtually all get the same gas mileage....there is absolutely no reason to pick one or the other based on mileage.
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Really? they all 3 have about the same mileage? thats cool, then i might go with the 351. But about the knonking noise, i know its not water dripping on the manifold, because it rattles the whole truck when it does it.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Water dripping on the manifold? What are you talking about? I'm confused with that...
I didn't mean water leak...i mean't exhaust leak...very common on these trucks.
An exhaust leak at the manifold/head connection or a crack in the manifold will cause a ticking noise upon accereration.
A lifter noise will be 100% constant and consistance with RPM as the engine runs....because as it spins those lifters are moving up and down all the time. Lifter tap is audible at any RPM - not just accereration.
People may try to argue with me about the mileage but most miss the concept that yes there is a difference in gas mileage between them - but it's not significant enough to cause a person to sway their decision and go with one over another...
I didn't mean water leak...i mean't exhaust leak...very common on these trucks.
An exhaust leak at the manifold/head connection or a crack in the manifold will cause a ticking noise upon accereration.
A lifter noise will be 100% constant and consistance with RPM as the engine runs....because as it spins those lifters are moving up and down all the time. Lifter tap is audible at any RPM - not just accereration.
People may try to argue with me about the mileage but most miss the concept that yes there is a difference in gas mileage between them - but it's not significant enough to cause a person to sway their decision and go with one over another...
Last edited by MustangGT221; Jul 5, 2006 at 04:57 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Drving habits and gears have FAR more to do with mileage than any difference between the three motors in these trucks.
I dunno where the water thing came from, either.
If I had to pick between the tow motors, I'd take the 300 every day and twice on Sunday. But if it came down to keeping the 302 or replacing it with a 300, and I wasn't getting rid of the truck... I'd probably live with the 302.
I dunno where the water thing came from, either.
If I had to pick between the tow motors, I'd take the 300 every day and twice on Sunday. But if it came down to keeping the 302 or replacing it with a 300, and I wasn't getting rid of the truck... I'd probably live with the 302.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
I've owned all three just like you (atleast I think u've had a 302...)...the 351 is my beloved beast. The 300 is durable...but that's about all it's got. It doesn't have much on the 351 for low end tq...
...and durability isn't high on my list...if it runs 200k or 300k....I'll be old by then anyway...
...and durability isn't high on my list...if it runs 200k or 300k....I'll be old by then anyway...
Last edited by MustangGT221; Jul 5, 2006 at 05:51 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Closest I ever came to owning a 302 was when we looked at one while Bronco-shopping. Didn't like the lack of power - it seemed to have to rev real high to get it moving, which is pretty much what I've heard about every stock 302.
The 351 has more top-end power than the 300, but below 2500 rpms, I can't tell the difference. They both do a fine job.
I put about 25k a year on whatever vehicle I drive, and we have no rust problems out here. So whatever I drive, I end up driving it into the ground.
The 351 has more top-end power than the 300, but below 2500 rpms, I can't tell the difference. They both do a fine job.
I put about 25k a year on whatever vehicle I drive, and we have no rust problems out here. So whatever I drive, I end up driving it into the ground.
