Hey guys, I have a 76 with a 302 and 4 speed. I have a 400 mated to an auto tranny in a parts truck. I want to swap in the 400. Do I have to swap tranny's too? or can I use the bellhousing?

 

Yep you will have to swap the 400 with the auto, the 400 has a big block bellhousing and the 302 has a samll block bellhousing....

 

You can just get a bellhousing for a 4 speed with a 400. If you use a bell from a later truck with a 460, you can also upgrade to a hydraulic clutch. The bells are different, so make sure you don't have to convert unless you want to.

 

Keep that parts truck handy so it will supply you with all the extras you will need for the swap. I hope it is a good running engine?

You can do what was just mentioned for the 4 speed manual, or get a C6 from a 351M/400 or 460 truck; They are the same thing.

 

what are you hoping to gain from this swap?

 

The 302 in the truck now is just about had it, and the 400 in the parts truck runs very well, and i couldnt refuse the price at $250 for the whole truck

 

well honestly i dont thinks its a worth while swap. would be easier to drop in another 302. the gas mileage from that 400 will be terrible, they have decent torque but low on HP and are heavy

 

I'm not trying to be an idiot or anything, because I have never ran one... but there are lots of mixed emotions about the 400. From what I have read, some people hate them and some swear by them. Do you think its really not worth the swap? I dont want to buy a 302 if I have a good running 400, is there anything you can do to the 400 to make it decent?

 

I would take a 400 over a 302 ANY DAY, especially in a truck. I would even take a stock, smogged 400. Ever try to pass someone on the highway with a stock 302 in a 1/2 ton???
Worthwile swap dude, DO IT! You've got all the makings of an easy swap at your disposal.

 

Haha thanks, that gives me some motivation. I'm swapping this weekend, along with a cab swap. Thanks for the input !

 

to make the 400 run you have to put money into head work, get the compression bumped up and a cam swap.

the 302 will run better and pass better in stock form then a stock 400 would.

good luck with the swap. if you know anyone that has a stock 400 in there truck see if you can ride with them or even drive it.

 

Technically I did the opposite. I put a 302/AOD in place of a 400/C-6 and was a direct bolt in. Just I also changed bodies as I'm using the 78 chassis as the foundation for my 51 truck. The 400 was a good motor but it had seen better days (approx 180 000 kms) and wouldn't get you anywhere fast. The main reasons were EFI, overdrive and fuel economy which the 400 couldn't supply easily.

 

strictly in the name of money, go with the 400. keep everything for the 302. Eventually rebuild the 302 for future reinstall when the gas prices are too high. FWIW, I got 10 mpg out of my 79 Bronco 400/C6, and 18 mpg out of my 85 F150 302 EFI/AOD. Both at 55mph. The '85 can't pass anybody on the highway, either. It's really tired, and the 400 is retired, lol.

 

So how did you make out with this swap? I'd be interested as I am trying to do a similar thing.

 

I would take a stock 400 over a 302....hopped up or not. The 400 is a truck motor, 302s belong in a Mustang.