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I'm new to this forum, but I've participated in others for a while. Had a question that I've asked in other forums, so I'd like to hear what you all think. I have a '77 Ford F100. Nice clean truck inside and out. A lot of work has been put into the. I'm running a 302, flowmaster exhaust, headers, mild cam, and holley carb. The engines run very well, but just not enough muscle for the truck, so I'm looking to drop in a new motor. I't is'nt used for racing, pulling or anything like that. It's just a little toy I play with in the garage, ocassionally I go to Lowe's for my wife or I may pull a trailer with two bikes. I've been told everything from 351W to going big with a 460, which does sound like fun, but I think maybe a waste of a good engine. Any suggestions?
Sounds like that 302 should move that truck around fairly well. To high rear end gear maybe?
Look at the mods ive done to the 302 in my 79 F150 in my sig below. As you can see its not much. It will pull my 6,000 pound tractor around no problem when my dad's 92 F350 isnt available for use.
I have considered a 400. Did'nt really want to go up to a C6, but I could.
I did'nt really want to swap it with just a stock motor. I figured since it's not a daily driver, I have time to build up a good strong engine that once I drop it in, there's no reason to pull it out for upgrades unless something goes wrong.
The 302 does move the truck pretty well, but I want to roast my tires every now and then and the 302 definitely is'nt doing it. I'm sure in a foxbody or something, it would get your attention, but not in this F100.
Ive seen plenty of 302 stock in these trucks that can burn the tires to the ground.
I have a 73 F100 302, 74 f100 302, and the 79 f150 302, none have a problem with eating tires, lol.
I have brand new tires on my 73 F100 with stock everything on the engine and I have already burned them off. I feel like a freakin idiot, Im glad Im growing out of my "hotrod" stage of life b/c I have to go buy new tires already! Oh well thats what I get for not ignoring my friends when they say "hey bet that truck cant burn the tires" lol.
Im really beting the gears in the rear-end have been changed to higher at sometime.
Well I guess ill stop babbling, just kinda felt like I had to defend my little 302's b.c they are my favorite engine.
If i were in your situation, id get a windsor and stoke it to a 408 or 427 and get some used aluminum heads because stockers wont move enough air to make good power later in the rpms with that many cubes. with an off the shelf cam and a 750 or so carb, i bet youd be more than impressed and you wouldnt go broke.
79ForbBlake,
What are you gears in the rear? I will look into that. I have been told by several people in other forums that the body was just too heavy for the 302. If it's just a matter of changing the gearing in rear, I will be more than happy to stick with my 302.
79ForbBlake,
What are you gears in the rear? I will look into that. I have been told by several people in other forums that the body was just too heavy for the 302. If it's just a matter of changing the gearing in rear, I will be more than happy to stick with my 302.
73 F100- 3.25. Very good off the line and you can cruise along at 60-65 great. Stock engine.
74 F100- 3.50. Really good off the line, still comfortable to cruise around 60. mild cam in it.
79 F1500- 3.00 gears. Little slow off line(mostly b.c I need a stall and some head work with the cam I chose) I cruise at 70 with it. Iv'e had it to 125 and rpm was still below 5,000.
I dont believe for a second these trucks are to heavy for the 302. I have to many friends of mine that have 302s in their dents and love them.
Unless you are planning on doing heavy towing with your truck I wouldnt replace a 302 with anything.
Yep you got it higher is slower off line with more top end. Depending on tire size 3.50 should be good. 302s like to turn(rpm) anyway. Hope you get a combo together that works for ya.