302 swap with a manual

[JorgesRanger302]

Hey y’all- I’m planning a 5.0 swap on my 2000 3.0 w/ M5OD-r1 trans. Normal cab, RWD. Ive seen a good bit of 302 swaps but haven’t seen one with a manual trans. Currently need to source a 302 that I can swap in without much modification to the body/drivetrain. Any help I can get finding a cheapish engine that runs would be appreciated. Also should I swap in a M5OD-r2? From what ive read, the original trans can’t really handle the extra power, but I want to keep a manual. As far as I can tell the r2 works with a 5.0, but does it require an adapter or any modifications to fit? Again, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Elutheros]

You will need the M5ODR2 from a full size pickup/Thunderbird. The 4.9V6 in the F150s has the best shifter location. The V8 version puts the shifter very close to the dash. Check out the technical library at the top of this page for details on swaps.

 

[fastpakr]

From memory, I think the 4.2 V6 is the one you want the transmission from (late 90's vintage F150). 4.9 doesn't sound right?

After you've done the swap, you'll need a tune to get the computer to expect a manual and not throw a CEL about the missing automatic trans functions.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yeah, '97-04 F-150 with the 4.2. They did play around with the shifter location a little even in that range I forget what fits "the best"

My '04 fit thru my stock shifter hole and required no trimming so I am happy.

For a sportier build some prefer a T-5 or something like that, they shift more like a car (and less like a truck) and are better at shifting fast.

 

[bobbywalter]

The 150 trans brings the need for an adapter for the t case or a 150 type t case. These usually require fitment mods of one sort or another.....unless your going low and never plan to 4x4.


For sure consider a car trans for that.

 

[fastpakr]

The 150 trans brings the need for an adapter for the t case or a 150 type t case. These usually require fitment mods of one sort or another.

Yeah, I was just assuming the OP would run a 4406 or similar.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

OP is 2wd which should simplify the transfer case situation...

 

[fastpakr]

Doh!

 

[Maui-sprint]

FYI you can use an early (pre-'96) M5R2 from a 302 equipped F150 or Bronco as well. Locate a later top cover from a '96 or '97 F150 4.2 and it will bolt right on to the early trans. Look for the later cover with iron forks. The aluminum ones will not mate with the early trans sliders.

 

[JorgesRanger302]

I do want a sportier build, but I looked at the T-5 and it has pretty sluggish gearing, especially in 2nd. Is there any other manuals that would work with a 302 that has a higher ratio in lower gears?

 

[RonD]

M5R2 ratios here: http://www.f150hub.com/trans/m5od-r2.html

The rear axle ratio and tire size can customize the transmission's gear ratio "feel"
2" change in tire diameter changes rear axle ratio by .3 usually, larger lowers ratio, smaller raises ratio

 

[Shran]

You could also use a 4 speed, there was one in particular used in the late 70's/early 80's F series trucks that had an overdrive 4th gear. I had one in an F100 behind an inline six, if my research is correct they were known as SMOD, SROD or TOD transmissions and mine should have had 3.25:1, 1.92:1, 1:1, and 0.78:1 gear ratios. I remember it being fun to drive and the gears were spaced out pretty well.

More info here: http://www.f150hub.com/trans/t170-smod-srod-tod.html

I have heard that they were kind of know to be pieces of crap but mine held up very well with virtually no maintenance... my grandpa bought the truck new and it had 220k+ on it when I sold it in 2006.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Supercoupe M5ODR2's had different ratios than truck M5ODR2's also.

M5R2 gear ratios, Idea.....?

I am looking at gear ratios for the M5R2 and lets say we keep the stock 2.73 in the rear. Would there be any bennefit to switching to the truck gear ratios? I am assuming that the gears and countershaft will work in ours from the truck version. A close ratio transmission is a good thing and...

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