I have a '78 Ford Pickup truck and need a new engine. The engine I pulled out is a 302. I have found a 302 for sale from a 94-95 mustang but the seller says it will only fit fords back to '79. Can anyone tell me if something changed between 78 and 79 and if I need to be checking anything specific while trying to find an affordable new 302 engine?
Thanks

 

The external dimensions and bolt locatons on the 302 block never changed, so there's no reason you can't put a newer 302 in there if you indeed have a 302 in your truck.

 

The seller is probably thinking Mustangs back to 79... It will fit fine and run well in your truck, you would just need to make sure to use an 82 up 302 flexplate if you have an automatic tranny.

 

Also make sure you use a newer balancer. 63-80 windsors were balanced with 28oz, and 81 up were 50 oz. The mustang ho motors use the 351w firing order.