Hey everybody. I have a 1982 F-150 with a 302 2bbl. auto trans,and am in dire need of a carb. My local parts stores are having trouble finding a rebuilt carb for me. I like to buy locally in case I have problems. One fellow at the parts store offered a brand new 600 cfm holley for the same money as a rebuilt 2bbl. if they can find a 2bbl.available.My question is, is this to much carburetor for my little 302? I don't drive far to work and most of the time my truck don't leave town, so would fuel economy,driveability or anything else be a problem if I switched over? Any insite or info is appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

 

The holley 600cfm is perfect for the 302. I have run several of these through the years, and if you put a good aftermarket inline fuel filter before the carb, it will sit in there and give years of good service. And then later on when it needs a kit, it's very simple to rebuild yourself.

You can also get rid of some of the vacuum lines by installing this carb. The stock aircleaner will also fit right back on. You may need to do a little bit of fuel line fabbing to hook the fuel line and the filter to the carb, and possibly a little bit of fabbing for the throttle linkage, but otherwise it will bolt on if you get a 4bbl manifold. You only have to drain the radiator halfway, and do not even have to pull the distributor to change the intake manifold. A stock cast iron one will work, or you can buy an aluminum one.

 

it would be a good swap as dave stated it is perfect for the 302.as for mileage ,fuel economy it would be very small if any as long as you stay away from WOT.som people i know have acually seen some increase in fuel economy switching from a 2bbl to a 4bbl.

 

Thanks for the replies. The guy at the parts store recommended an adapter for the manifold. I have never used one before,so would it work or should the manifold be changed also?

Thanks again
Dave

 

you can use an adaptor, but I'm sure everbody on here will tell you, that your better off geting a 4bbl intake. jmo

 

yeah, use a real 4bbl intake, and FYI, I used the edelbrock performer 600 carb and performer intake, and my fuel mileage actually increased...... dramatically

 

Will there be any power loss or what would be the disadvantages of using the adapter over the intake? I don't want a race truck, I just want it to run good and get decent mileage. Will I have to lose the egr plate or would it still be used in either scenario?

Thanks

 

If you keep the stock 2bbl manifold, you will be wasting your 4bbl carb.

I am SURE you will notice a marked improvement in your engine performance with the 4bbl, and I am sure you will see better gas mileage.

 

loss of power and and fuel economy w/ the adaptor, you'll probably need a 4bbl egr.

 

Everyone is right.
Get the 4 bbl egr intake manifold and you will see an increase in mileage and performance.

 

I agree, do not use an adapter. It will cost you a little bit more money for the manifold, but you will realize all the benefits of the new carb. Adapters are pretty much a rig, and I think you will be disappointed in the whole operation if you use one.

 

if I needed my truck and didn't have time or the money to change the intake for a little while I would use an adapter
I used one on my 351w for about a month and it wasn't that bad,granted not as good as with the right intake
it would sure be better than running with a screwed up carb

 

Franklin, I always respect your advice, but I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. A 600cfm carburetor is much too big for a STOCK or mildly built little 302 engine in a fullsize TRUCK application. YES, the 600cfm carb will work on a 302 engine, but a carb more in the range of 500cfm would probably be a better choice for the average driver of a 302 in a full size Ford truck.

bigdavevader, you have to ask yourself what you HONESTLY plan to use your truck for. A smaller carb in the 500cfm range will give you better throttle response down low and more torque, which is what you really need to move a heavy, fullsize Ford truck with a relatively small 302 engine. And, a 500cfm caburetor is good all the way up to 5800rpms.

If you browse around in the 300 inline six forum, you will find that the Holley 390cfm carburetor with an offy intake is most common application, hands down. Well, a 302 is only 2 cubic inches more engine than the 300, so why would anyone go all the way to a 600cfm carburetor (unless they are racing the truck)?

The bigger 600cfm carburetor offers more power in the higher rpm range, but it sacrifices low end torque. If you plan on racing your pickup truck or using it in a high rpm range, then get a 600cfm carburetor.

There is a scientific formula for this:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/calculat...-air_capacity/

 

After much debate I went with a rebuilt Holley 5266 2 bbl. I didn't have the funds to do the 4bbl. and intake all at once and the parts store gave me a decent deal on this one. I am still having a hesitation problem. I take off from a stop sign and have to gently give it gas then it chokes, I let off,then it will take a little more gas and finally take off. Are there any adjustments I should make to this carb or should I be looking elsewhere for problems? My Dad suggested taking it to a shop and let them diagnose the problem or adjust the carb or something. What should I do? I am getting really fed up with this stuff. thanks for helping.
Dave

 

my experience has been the motorcraft/autolite is far superior (very simple and maintainence free)to the holley 2bbl, I have several IHC's that had holleys and ran better when switched to motorcraft...they are available from 275 to over 500 cfm (i believe) and cheap as dirt (last one I bought a year ago and cost me $95.00...your parts guy just needs to look a little harder