My 302 in my truck just started smoking. It is smoking out the tailpipes. This has to be bad. I had it checked out and the mechanic said that cylinder #7 has low to no compression in it and the new plugs in it is all fouled up already.

Is there any saving this engine?? Can I do a cheap rebuild to keep it running or is it in need of an overhaul??

My brother has a 302 from a wrecked '88 Mustang. It is the same year as my truck, so I figure this could be a fairly easy swap. Any leads, ideas, sources or other posts that I could review??

 

Hi and welcome to the ohio chapter,

From what I know of the 302's the truck motors are differant , cam, timing etc, oh yea pollution control set-up's. you would do better getting another engine out of a same year truck for a straight forward swap IMO
not saying the car engine would not work but that there are differances.

 

Yes you can do that swap... Just use the cam & intake from your truck. Or better yet buy a "truck" cam for the stang block that way you can keep your torque #'s up where they should be.

IF you don't change the cam the truck won't seem to have any take off power because a mustang is a whole lot lighter than a stang. The block & the heads are the same though.

 

Thanks!!! That is good information. I am not sure what I want to do with the truck. PArt of me says to buy a rebuilt engine with a warranty and keep the truck for awhile. Part of me says make it run while I build my house next year and then just get rid of it. The first part is the kid in me wanting a 4x4 to play with forever and the 2nd is the finance part of me talking $$$.

Any other words of wisdom are welcome. Thanks for the comments.