1979 F150 Engine Swap
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From: Brownsburg, IN
1979 F150 Engine Swap
I have a 1979 F150 that I bought for my daughter 75k original miles in great shape. Recently bent a rod and crank. We are going to replace with a rebuilt engine. It currently has the 302. When looking at the engines available there are 3 models that went in that truck. The model we have is the most expensive rebuilt. The engine differences have to do with dipstick location and emissions control. I would like to get the least expensive of engines available. Does anyone know if any of these three will bolt in and match up with trans and other? Thanks for your help
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From: Waterloo IL
You are saying there are 3 different 302s available in a 79 F-150? I'm not sure where you got that from. Just buy a basic rebuild kit from about anywhere. If price is a concern this place has some great prices.
Northern Auto Parts: - Ford 302 Truck 1977-11/30/1982
Northern Auto Parts: - Ford 302 Truck 1977-11/30/1982
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Yeah, it had to do only with location of dipstick and emissions control I am going to buy a "new" crate engine. That is why I was wondering about set up. The three engines were like $1100.00, $1400 and $1595. I was looking at Marshall engines out of Nebraska
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From: West Virginia
which emissions controls are you worried about? I'd think all the emissions stuff should easily swap from your engine to the new engine if for some reason youre worried about emissions. We have no emissions where I live so if I swapped a crate engine I'd be deleting most of that stuff anyway.
And as long as you can access the dipstick, what difference does it make where it is?
I'd call the place and ask them why the price difference, which one would be best for your truck, etc.
And as long as you can access the dipstick, what difference does it make where it is?
I'd call the place and ask them why the price difference, which one would be best for your truck, etc.
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From: Brownsburg, IN
I wasn't really worried about all that stuff anyway. Just the transmission and other being able to bolt on in the same position. Dipstick etc doesn't matter, that is how they distinguish which engine it is. So I guess I didn't do a good job asking the question. Wondering if anyone would know if mounting bolt locations, transmission and other bolt locations would match
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a 302 block is the same through 68-2001 as far as mounting equipment go...motor mounts, heads, timing covers, oil panes, intakes...everything swaps around with ease.
before you buy a reman block for that year, i'd suggest ordering a 302/5.0 from an 87-95 mustang instead...it'll make a great deal more power and all your accessories and smog will bolt right back up
before you buy a reman block for that year, i'd suggest ordering a 302/5.0 from an 87-95 mustang instead...it'll make a great deal more power and all your accessories and smog will bolt right back up
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Thanks for the information. How did that work out that an engine from the 79 didn't get changed for the mustang for 87-95 that seems strange to me but I will check it out for sure. Have you ever heard of Marshall engines in Nebraska or do you have a suggestion for another reman
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to tell you the truth, 5.0/302's are so bullitt proof, I just buy used ones. The HOT ticket is the 96-01 explorer 5.0's....they've got the gt40/gt40p heads and with the right cam and carb make about 250-260 at the wheels, 300 flywheel.....the gt40p heads were 97-01...the gt40 heads were 96/early 97. The gt40p heads require special headers...in a truck I'd assume you have no clearance issues and may be able to run the ford racing shorty headers designed for the p heads....I pick up these motors from truck junkyards for 400-600$ and they usually guarantee it's condition...
just giving you different options
just giving you different options
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From: Brownsburg, IN
Thanks a lot. I have a ASA Ford Truck specialist that is going to help me. I will talk to him and see what he says. I wouldn't really bother with it, but the truck is in great shape. Two tone green with just a little surface rust, no bed rust or anything. I think it will be a really good long term vehicle, I just don't want to spend 2k for a reman engine. The ones I was looking at were around 1100 with 3 year 100k mile warranty. But maybe I can do something with that explorer engine. You are saying that any of the 5.0 will bolt up fine with trans, mounting etc?
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From: Waterloo IL
to tell you the truth, 5.0/302's are so bullitt proof, I just buy used ones. The HOT ticket is the 96-01 explorer 5.0's....they've got the gt40/gt40p heads and with the right cam and carb make about 250-260 at the wheels, 300 flywheel.....the gt40p heads were 97-01...the gt40 heads were 96/early 97. The gt40p heads require special headers...in a truck I'd assume you have no clearance issues and may be able to run the ford racing shorty headers designed for the p heads....I pick up these motors from truck junkyards for 400-600$ and they usually guarantee it's condition...
just giving you different options
just giving you different options
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they all have the same bolting pattern, so yes, ANY 5.0/302 throughout the years will work.
I'd take a long hard look at a used explorer block as I mentioned.....best 5.0 block made by a longshock because of the heads and roller cam setup. Most truck salvage yards will offer a warranty too with the engine...and it comes with a cam that's a truck cam already for truck torque. Just pull off the efi intake (and resell it for 100-150) and put your carb and intake on it.
make sure you research the gt40p heads though, or stick with a 96 engine
I'd take a long hard look at a used explorer block as I mentioned.....best 5.0 block made by a longshock because of the heads and roller cam setup. Most truck salvage yards will offer a warranty too with the engine...and it comes with a cam that's a truck cam already for truck torque. Just pull off the efi intake (and resell it for 100-150) and put your carb and intake on it.
make sure you research the gt40p heads though, or stick with a 96 engine
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From: South west Idaho
CAUTION , If you have a ford specialist helping you he is going to tell you , you will need a new 50 oz. flexplate or flywheel if you use a 84 or newer engine. Your 79 , if it is original will have a 28 oz. flexplate. If it's original it may be worn out anyhow, so a new one would be good. Don't mix the balance. 
Cargo Master
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From: South west Idaho
Correct, I was thinking of the 84 I put in mine. I found out a few years ago the hard way when I bought a supposed to be 80 engine to put in my falcon. After starting it I found out it was a 81 .