92 3.0 to a 302 research

[cliffjumper87]

So I'm looking into swapping my 3.0 for a 302 because I've been told it's pretty much bolt and play. Has anyone else done it? And if so what's a good year/vehicle to get the motor and trans out of?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Its a fairly substantial swap. An xbox controller is plug and play. A V8 swap requires wiring, fuel system modificantions, cooling system modifications, driveshaft(s) etc Not really super hard but far from plug and play.

2wd or 4wd?

What is the end goal for the truck?

@Curious Hound is just starting to V8 swap his '93 3.0 truck HERE

 

[cliffjumper87]

It's the 2WD. The end goal is to (maybe) lower it a little bit. but eventually turn it into a show truck. Nothing too fancy, just put a better engine and trans in it. The 3.0 isn't bad, but I'd like to get a little more vroom out of it one day

 

[Curious Hound]

One thing that helps keep things a little simpler is to get an older engine. In your profile, it says your truck is a 92. Based off that, get an engine, ecu and wiring harness that is the older eec IV wiring architecture. If you get a newer OBD II system, then the instrument cluster won't work right and the wiring hets more involved.

Getting an entire Explorer as a donor vehicle makes the project less expensive. You’ll also need the transmission.

 

[cliffjumper87]

That's pretty much what I figured? Did they do a 92 explorer with the 302 in it?

 

[Curious Hound]

Looks like 5.0 was introduced with the 2nd generation in ‘95.

 

[cliffjumper87]

So I figure it'll be a little different from the 92 then? I know the designs got changed a lot in those three years. I also heard from an older guy at the auto parts store earlier that the 302 kinda sucks because parts for it are more expensive than anything else, and that I'd be better off with a Chevy small block. Any input on that?