whos done a fairly cheap 302 swap an rear end?

jammert609@yahoo.com · Jun 29, 2011

I am saving up my money to do a 302 swap hopefully soon (next 3 years) an I was wondering who has done a 302 swap an better gearing for under $2,500. I wanna have a loud truck an pretty fastd to take to test an tunes at the strip on weekends.

Mutant Pony · Jun 29, 2011

It really depends on what you have and what you can get cheap. If you have access to a welder, torch, and a drill press you could do it easily for less than $2500.
I have the parts and tools that I could build a 12 second ranger right now with nothing more than labor. Faster than that would take some cash.
If you have to buy everything new, I don't think it could be done. It would take some real careful spending.

bobbywalter · Jun 29, 2011

i agree with mutant pony.

i can easily do what you describe which is essentially just a hotrod for less then 5-600 bux and a weekend with what is sitting around my yard as well....

but uhhhh... i have alot of tools :dunno:

even with little in the way of tools, a guy can do a simple 302 2wd swap under 2500 with ease provided he is willing to run a used powertrain.

generally complete small block running powertrains can be had for 200-1000 bux from stock to mild 230-300 ish hp.

in a 2wd application that does not need ac/cruise control etc its practically a bolt in affair.

RangerBoy94 · Jun 29, 2011

Over here they have tons of running 302 explorers in the impound lots for 600 or less. Buy a explorer take out the engine and rear axle and your good. Part all the other parts out and you may of even done it for free.

chvlfrk · Jun 30, 2011

Ummm.............

I don't have $2500 in my WHOLE truck, just some scroungin, careful spendin, GOOD used parts, and lil' bit of ingenuity.........course I am alot older than most on here & have been tinkerin with cars since I was 10.

mn_smokeater · Jun 30, 2011

jammert are you going to do a EFI 302 or are you doing Carb'ed

jammert609@yahoo.com · Jun 30, 2011

mn_smokeater said:
jammert are you going to do a EFI 302 or are you doing Carb'ed

I was wanting to do a carb'ed then evenchally put a 650 holly on it

mn_smokeater · Jul 1, 2011

jammert609@yahoo.com said:
I was wanting to do a carb'ed then evenchally put a 650 holly on it

thats the way im aiming if i do a 5.0 swap, then as far as i remember i can still use the same fuel system.

that saves money there.

dasfinc · Jul 1, 2011

Check out my build thread.

I have a little over $5000 into my whole truck (And that includes the truck, and my roots type super charger kit........)

I did the V-8 and rear end swap of my project for under a grand.

RatDog8o8 · Jul 1, 2011

jammert609@yahoo.com said:
I was wanting to do a carb'ed then evenchally put a 650 holly on it

Just don't over-do the induction without making sure the exhaust is up it. Once you get it in there, it's gotta have someplace to go, so the system works at its best efficiency.

I've had 2 302s - one in a '74 Datsun pickup, the other in a '73 Bronco. Both ended up with Holley aluminum intakes, and 1850/4160 Holley carbs. There's quite a bit of room to play with the jetting on one of those.

If you mean a 650 "double pumper".....that may be a bit of overkill. Just my opinion, of course.

The Datsun was stock exhaust; the Bronco had a full Hooker system, from headers back.

Basically what I'm saying is - bigger isn't always better.

straycat · Jul 1, 2011

It all depends on the money you are going to spend. Finding a complete motor that is in a+ shape is a big+!!! That is where most of the cost comes in. Do a search on our site and see what other folks have put together for their complete swap and just follow that routine. You should come out better since you say you are good at mechanics!!!!

Good luck

85_Ranger4x4 · Jul 1, 2011

straycat said:
You should come out better since you say you are good at mechanics!!!!

This isn't changing your oil, replacing an alternator kind of mechanics. Really you are designing the powertrain of a vehicle by yourself. You have to position the engine and trans, set up the cooling system, throttle system, shifter, driveshaft, rear end... Nothing is cut and dry. I ran into instances on mine where others say this fits great and it plain wouldn't work and vice versa... no two swaps are the same.

A good running engine is key when you are on a budget. I paid $200 for mine and got lucky, I have another one I paid $150 for that "runs really good" that needs $1500 worth of work to have a runable long block.

I got a new carb because I didn't want to deal with somebody elses problem ($400 Edelbrock 500) a new intake because I couldn't find a used one when I needed it ($170 Wieand Stealth) and a new radiator ($170) because my used one was leaking and I didn't want to keep making hour and half trips dragging home leakers. Add to that the $200 C5 trans and a custom $200 rear driveshaft and a $325 dual exhaust system (+$160 headers)... don't forget to add something else to cover all the extra crap (efan, hoses, gaskets, silicone).

Aside from the carb, intake (which isn't much more than a used one) and radiator... unless I made my own driveshaft and bent my own exhaust I don't think I could have gone much lower unless somehow I got the stuff for free. It adds up really quick.

whos done a fairly cheap 302 swap an rear end?

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