I want to put a 302 EFI from an '84 Crown Vic Station Wagon into my 1980 f150. The 300 is tired and worn. I read the other thread on a similar swap, but I want to know if a 302 will do better in a mud bog, where horsepower is an issue. I know a 351 or 390 etc.. will do better, but I do have the 302 at my disposal. Also, what should I do to the 302 to help out (such as a cam, etc...) and should I go with the early EFI or stick a Carb on it? Any experiences or comments would be nice. Thank You.

Tucker Lucas
1980 F150 4x4
300
35x12.50 Thornbirds
6" Superlift

Check out my photos for some adventures in mud!

 

Hi-
It's a great idea what your planning. Here's my thoughts- the little 302 needs fuel injection, even if its speed density instead of mass air. Specially since i see you live in AZ. You got elevation, fuel injection is just nicer all around. But a carb is cheaper if you don't have all the parts already for FI. I wouldn't do any thing camshaft wise unless your talking about a LOW rpm aftermarket type. I lost some bottom end when I put a late model Mustang 302 in for my original truck 302. But I didn't have to change the oilpan. Now i've got 2 drain plugs to deal with but a mile of clearance off the crossmember so i'm happy. When i'm mudding it's nice to hear that little 5.0 wrap out. Can't think of anything else right now, maybe later. Good luck, nice scenery

 

Hey Tucker,
Welcome to FTE.
There's a couple of ways to look at what you're proposing.
The 302 is a high rpm motor that makes most of it's power in the upper ranges. It revs fast, but at the expense of torque. It's gonna take torque to get those big tires of yours moving and keep em moving if you're in mud. There is no better "torque engine" than the one you already have in your truck. Because of it's long stroke they don't turn up nearly as fast as a 302, but they pull way harder at much lower rpm's. If you want more horses along with that torque you can either put in a big block (390-460) or build up the 300 six. There are all sorts of aftermarket goodies for the six to liven it up. I drive the same truck as you basically. She's not a mudder though. I replaced my 300 six with a fairly hot rebuilt 351W (big brother to the 302 that produces more torque) cause I wanted to be able to run with it on the interstate. It does a good job but even the 351 doesn't have the torque of that six. If I were doing a lot of pulling or mudding I know I'd be disappointed.

Just some food for thought......

Ron

 

The 302, especially from a car, is not the engine of choice for torque. You need lots of torque in a mud bog but HP too, which the 300 doesn't have. 351 would be the best of both worlds, or even bigger.