When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
H.O.s are rated at 225 HP (from 86 to 93) regular 302s are at something like 175hp. The big difference is the cam and intake system. Starting in 1985 all H.Os got a roller tappet camshaft which allows you to run a more aggressive cam without a loss in idle quality,etc. The H.O. I have gets good gas mileage and has lots of low end torque. They are very dependable engines as long as you keep the oil changed. One of the main reasons an engine loses power with age is the cam starts wearing from the very first start-up. The roller cam changed this. They also used low tension piston rings which means they don't fit near as tight against the cylinder walls creating excess friction. I've personally seen a H.O. with 248,000 miles on it, yes it smoked a little but what can you expect, it still ran very strong. No trucks that I know of (until I think 93) had roller cams. Trucks still didn't get H.O. motors they just got a roller cam. H.O.s came in Mustangs.
No, that's not stock all 302s 86 up are fuel injected. You are talking about a carbed intake right? These motors run extremely well carbed the only thing is you have to rev the engine a little farther to get the torque. A fuel injected Mustang can run 3.55s with good results to get the same from a carbed motor it will take 3.73s. That's not saying the carbed motor doesn't run strong that's just comparing a carb motor to a fuelie. I get better mileage out of my carbed motor than the one I had that was fuel injected(same gears only difference the F.I. motor was an auto).
Jeff
I have a 302 out of an 85 Crown Victoria.
I assume it would also have the roller tappet cam right?
Any chance that this could be an HO motor as well?
What other differences would be found between HO and non HO motors in 85?
I currently have both an 83 Mustang GT engine with 75,000 on it and the 85 Crown Vic engine with 169,000 on it. I figured the 85 engine would be the better candidate for a rebuild and the 83 for installing into my truck now to keep it driveable since the 300 6cyl was dying.
The Crown Vic engine is definitely NOT an HO. With the automobile cam and intake setup it probably won't work very well as a truck engine either. You can build it up and cobble it into your truck, but why bother? Build up the 300 and you'll have a better engine for a lot less work.
Oh, if I rebuild it I would definately change the cam and intake. But if I am going to spend the money doing a full rebuild I might go for a better model.
A HO engine would be great. I have been told that I would be better off with an 86 302 and swap out the intake to go back to carburation.
Of course in the long run I would like to go fuel injection. I want some kick to the engine but not a tremendous amount so I stayed away from the 460 everyone keeps recommending. Just has to be quick and do well on the highway. I want it to be a daily driver not just for show.
I called the Ford Tech line once and asked them this very question about a 351W. They told me the only difference was in the cam. For a true answer with no BS i would call Ford at 810-468-1356
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.