considering 302 but..
 

Right now I am trying to decide about swapping out my engine with a 302. But I am trying to get a good picture of what I need to look for

What I think I know so far:
1.) I need to talk to Eugene Phillips in Pasadena about a 302 cross member that he makes.
2.) I need to switch out my rear end to a 9” rear end.
3.) C-4 transmission with a short tail needed.
4.) Might need a bigger dog house from a 60’s chevy van.


What I don’t know so far:
1.) What year 302 fits my van best? Can it be a newer 302 or should it be a 60’s or 70’s engine?
2.) How hard is it to rebuild a junkyard 302 for a noob?
3.) Will I need to shorten my drive train?

There will be more questions to come. If you have any input about these questions or more things to consider (which I know theres a lot more) please post it. Thank you.

Steve in NY

all these questions can be answered on oldeconolines, but i will give it a whirl.

if you use eugenes crossmember and an econo trans/tailshaft, you will not have to cut the drive line. the tranny will mount in the stock location.

you will have to use a driveline for a 9 in rearend, the u joints are differant size.

any non f i 302 will fit the same, but the brackets from an older model fit closer to the block so clearance is better.

302 engines are not hard to rebuild, but you can buy a rebuilt for less than it takes to build one right. i am not saying that a rebuilt is any better, just a little cheaper and faster.

you will defenitly need a bigger dog house for cooling, and to get the motor up higher from the ground. they ride a little lower in the stock doghouse.

since you have been to oldeconolines, you know that jay long is the man to talk to. if it has been done, he has done it. he is very helpful, and has tons of pics and info for the asking.

jim