'88 302 died today
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'88 302 died today
I have a '88 F150 4WD with a 4spd manual tranny. I want to get the most reasonable power/ tourqe bang for my buck with minimal compatability issues. I have read qute a few posts on this forum and realize a 302-351W swap will require U/L intake, oil pan and Y pipe changes at least. These I would hope to find relatively cheap at a junkyard so a slight addition to the cost of a long block from a reputable engine builder ( suggestions please!!!!). Plan B is to stroke a 302 to say 330ci and plug and play but at a likely much higher long block price as they usually come with tweaked heads and other goodys.
How will either option be affected using current computer/speed density etc?
Which would give my "huntin" truck more pull thru the mud with th least headaches
I have 33 X 12.5's and 3.55 gears, I don't use this much on the road except to get out to my farm ( 5000 mi/yr ). TIA
How will either option be affected using current computer/speed density etc?
Which would give my "huntin" truck more pull thru the mud with th least headaches
I have 33 X 12.5's and 3.55 gears, I don't use this much on the road except to get out to my farm ( 5000 mi/yr ). TIA
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
to stroke the 302 will require some addtional efi work. the stock setup wont handle it all to well at least not enough to make the expense worth it.
i suggest doing a 5.8 swap. i did this on my old 88 bronco and was the best upgrade i could have done. I located a wreckingyard 5.8 that was complete from oil pan to upper intake. I reused my 302 wiring harness which plugs into every sensor on the 5.8 engine. ran the 5.8 firing order, got the proper flexplate or in your case flywheel and be done. its pretty much that simple.
i suggest doing a 5.8 swap. i did this on my old 88 bronco and was the best upgrade i could have done. I located a wreckingyard 5.8 that was complete from oil pan to upper intake. I reused my 302 wiring harness which plugs into every sensor on the 5.8 engine. ran the 5.8 firing order, got the proper flexplate or in your case flywheel and be done. its pretty much that simple.
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How much oomph will the 351W give me over a 302 with an RV cam? I found an engine builder ( CME in S.C.) that will sell a 302 high tourqe drop in long block for about $1100 and I wont have to change a thing. I guess I have always wanted to spice up the anemic 302 but didn't know that it was such a pain to alter anything with EI. How about tossing all of that and going with a carb job? If I went that route what about vac to the necessary components , throttle link , fuel line pressure, and front attatchments? Can I even find a flywheel to mate with my manual tranny if I locate a 351 ( didn't know mine wouldn't work )? I really appreciate your input as I don't dive into this sort of thing untill I have to. Life was so much simpler when I rebuilt my old 77 inline six over 20 years ago!!!! Good thing I have 9 months to get her back running becaause it sounds like a bit more project than I initially thought.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
do a search for 302-351w swap i have posted about it many times. also you need to be careful what cam is installed in our efi equiped bronco/f150s. If the wrong cam is used the truck will run like poop and require changing out the cam etc..
i would never go carb no matter what, its old and gets even worse mpg. also its illegal to convert back, and if you ever tried to sell the rig you couldnt. at least leagally
i would never go carb no matter what, its old and gets even worse mpg. also its illegal to convert back, and if you ever tried to sell the rig you couldnt. at least leagally
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
An injected 302 will make more low rpm TQ than a carb'd 302 every time, it's all about the long runner intake. If you want the minimum of hastles a warmed over 302 with an upgraded SD friendly cam is the best bet. With the money you save upgrade to 4.56 gears and you'll have a dandy offroad mud machine.
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Thanks guys, I think that the easiest solution is to just go with the " warmed over " 302 and regear. If I do the math right wouldn't 4.10 get me closer to the stock tire/gear ratio assuming 29" original diameter tires?
My old 302 has an inop EGR that I blocked off and pulled the plug, should I go with a new EGR when I replace the motor? TIA
My old 302 has an inop EGR that I blocked off and pulled the plug, should I go with a new EGR when I replace the motor? TIA
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
In my opinion.. with the 302 even 3.55 gears on the stock 29" tires leaves a bit to be desired, my '89 regular cab 4x4 was no hotrod with that combo. 4:10 would get you back to stock, but adding a bit more gearing advantage will help compensate for the missing cubic inches.
Blocking the EGR presents a small issue, you should use an EGR eliminator to get correct computer operation.
Blocking the EGR presents a small issue, you should use an EGR eliminator to get correct computer operation.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Blue Hill Township
Put whatever motor you want in there and get it tuned on a dyno. I'm not sure how many people can burn chips for the F-150 computer, but I KNOW that they can for a Mustang ECU.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
mustangs run mass air. broncos/f150s from 85-93/94 were all speed density and there ecu's cant be tuned.
check out www.fordfuelinjection.com for efi stuff. great site
check out www.fordfuelinjection.com for efi stuff. great site