390 to 302
New User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2
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390 to 302
I have a 66 f100 now with a 390 3spd in it. I would like to put a 302 with a 5spd in it's place. How much work will this take? Is there something to convert my existing clutch to a cable clutch on the 5spd? If the project becomes to large I will stick with the 390 and rebuild it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
390 to 302
Man you like beating your head against a wall. Put a 275 rear gear in and save the work.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
John
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
390 to 302
I am starting to see solutions to the modern clutch linkage dilemma. Windsor Fox is making some conversion bracketry. Forte Transmission is selling modern 5sp like T5 with vintage style bellhousings. If you peruse SuperFord or Mustangs and Fords, you will see some of these new products. I imagine that this stuff might get pretty pricey however. There is a 4sp (3+OD) that came out in F series (as well as vans) in 78. My 79 F150 has one, and a work truck (E150) I drove in the early 80's had one. It is not a toploader style shifter but uses linkages on the side of the tranny like your 3sp. I know there weren't any 390's in 78 but I have seen this tranny bolted to a 400. I don't know for sure but I would think that the tranny to bellhousing bolt pattern in this era might be common. If the bolt holes line up, and the input shaft of the tranny is the right length, maybe this would work. I'd say that rebuilding the 390 and using the 2:75 axle is probably the most cost effective solution. Of coarse if you found a carburated Mustang 5.0 w/ 5sp for cheap....... I have both a 390 and a 302 and I'd love to get the 390 rebuilt.
BBT
BBT
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
390 to 302
I saw an advertisement some time ago, for a hydraulic throw out bearing. Looked like a regular throw out bearing with two hydraulic lines (braided steel) attached. Seems like a good way to eliminate most clutch linkage? Sorry I don't have the magazine handy. It most likely would have been in Classic Trucks or Mustangs and Fast Fords.
