Replacement Engine for 78 Ford Pickup

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 12, 2008 | 11:45 AM

Jim Donohue

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Replacement Engine for 78 Ford Pickup

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

Nov 13, 2008 | 07:55 AM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

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.

Nov 13, 2008 | 11:04 AM

loudfords

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 3,862

Likes: 5

From: Beachville, Ontario

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.

Nov 13, 2008 | 08:44 PM

Ryan99

New User

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

From: northeastern Indiana

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.