2wd 302 swap

[Ranger850]

@RonD what's your take on the 351 heads on a 302 situation? Can it be done? what are the pros and cons?

 

[don4331]

'69 351W 4v heads were the ultimate bolted on junkyard find back in my misspent youth as they could be "bolted on" using same intake, etc. As that is...a little while ago...there are now much better 302 heads. Aussie 302C closed chamber heads were the ultimate at the time, but you needed to spend $$$$ to import and more $$$ for the Boss 302 intake.

302 heads and blocks use 7/16" head bolts, while the 351W equivalent uses 1/2" bolts, so you either needed custom bolts/studs (available from Ford and aftermarket in 70's) or rethread the block for 1/2" bolts.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

For stock heads the GT40p heads are a better choice IMO than the 351W heads, not a big difference in power so its what you can get now and the price that matters, lol

 

[don4331]

You can use any transmission that will bolt to a Ford small block V8, that has never been an issue
The issue is with Manual transmission's shifter placement on the transmission
Earlier Trucks using the M5OD-R-2 behind 300 I-6 or 302 V-8 had the shifter farther forward, i.e. under the Ranger dash, later ones have 12mm bolt holes that need to be reamed for the 1/2" bolts for 5.0 (4.2 V-6 uses 12mm bolts).
Cars/Mustangs T-5 had the shifter farther back, between seats in a Ranger. Chev S-10 T-5 tail shaft housing puts shifter in exactly same place as Ranger's manual. So, you have to cross pollenate Mustang T-5 front with S-10 rear for ideal.

For Manual trans
The 1996-2003 M5OD-R2 from a 4.2l V6(same pattern as small block V8) has shifter in the same place as Ranger's M5OD-R1

@RonD
Added some colour to your response.

 

[Jack Bossick]

It can't have a 351 intake.

Dang why not? It also has 351 heads. What headers do I need to get?

 

[Jack Bossick]

I’ll take a picture of the motor when I have it on the stand. Here’s what it looks like rn lol

 

[scotts90ranger]

The reason a 302 can't have a 351 intake is the 351 is a tall deck version of a 302 meaning the heads are the same (ish as noted by others...) but are pushed further from the crankshaft so the intake manifold is wider... which is why a 351 is wider than a 302...

 

[Jack Bossick]

The reason a 302 can't have a 351 intake is the 351 is a tall deck version of a 302 meaning the heads are the same (ish as noted by others...) but are pushed further from the crankshaft so the intake manifold is wider... which is why a 351 is wider than a 302...

So do I have a 302 or a 351? And will I need to get different heads to fit the ranger

 

[RobbieD]

I’ll take a picture of the motor when I have it on the stand. Here’s what it looks like rn lolView attachment 65420

Now that's an odd looking fish.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If the intake says 351 it's probably a 351, the heads aren't going to make it fit easier (same/similar or at least same size between the two), the issue is a 351 is wider, by how much I haven't paid attention enough, if I think about it while I'm out and about today or tomorrow I'll measure the difference between the engine in my boat and my Explorer...

 

[Angie]

So do I have a 302 or a 351?

what is the block casting number?

 

[bobbywalter]

So do I have a 302 or a 351? And will I need to get different heads to fit the ranger

That looks like a 351...

 

[bobbywalter]

And an aod.....


Weird.

 

[SMUTCO70]

I have a 1998 explorer engine with carb and E7 heads.
I used a msd ignition.
I used E7 heads because the p heads would not work with my exhaust(hedmen swap headers)
I had to change the push rods to work with the heads
I made my own accessories brackets to work with the reverse rotation water pump
Check out some of my posts for pictures.