289 V8

[baddad457]

What would you all prefer: 289, 302, or 351W?

An 87-up roller 302 is the easiest swap, hands down.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

An 87-up roller 302 is the easiest swap, hands down.

What changed in '87 that made it easier than say a earlier 80's 302?

I am looking for a cheap bandaid until I get my 289 done right is why I ask... there are a lot of eariler 80's 302's available for cheap.

 

[rickcdewitt]

The difference is exactly, .130, about half of a quarter inch.

oops yep i mean a 1/8"

 

[baddad457]

What changed in '87 that made it easier than say a earlier 80's 302?

I am looking for a cheap bandaid until I get my 289 done right is why I ask... there are a lot of eariler 80's 302's available for cheap.

The earlier 80's 302's aren't worth the price of scrap metal. Blocks are thin, cranks are brittle, heads suck. The 85 HO was a step in the right direction, then they took a step back with the 86 HO with the heads and pistons, then they got it right in 87 (except for the Vic 5.0, but these are good fodder for a rebuild) Any of the 80's car 5.0's can be used for the oil pan, that's really their only usable part for a Ranger swap.

 

[dragogt]

That and the fact that you can resell the 302/ 5.0 once your 289 is done and recoup some of your investment. jmho

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The earlier 80's 302's aren't worth the price of scrap metal. Blocks are thin, cranks are brittle, heads suck. The 85 HO was a step in the right direction, then they took a step back with the 86 HO with the heads and pistons, then they got it right in 87 (except for the Vic 5.0, but these are good fodder for a rebuild) Any of the 80's car 5.0's can be used for the oil pan, that's really their only usable part for a Ranger swap.

Already got the Mustang dual sump pan. It wouldn't take much to impress me after my probably 80hp (if that) 2.8... I don't really need a race truck.

I didn't know if they changed something so that they didn't fit as well. Powerwise the worst 302 is still better than the best 2.8...

 

[baddad457]

If all you're looking for is a stock motor, the earlier ones are fine, just not good foundations for a performance build. (80-85 blocks here)