Help with 302 '96 swap, EFi vs Carb

[superman22x]

I am trying to do a low budget swap in my truck. I currently have a 4.0L 96 ranger, and I want to go with a 302, and convert to a manual tranny. I already have the 8.8"rear-end, so I am good there. I posted on chitownracing looking for an engine in my area, and have two offers already. One is for an EFI 302, with a speed density computer but no wiring harness, that is $350. The other is a carbed engine with a mild cam that I was told ran 13.9 in a fox body. No carb or intake included, but for $250 I get the motor and an engine lift that I will need. He can throw in a stock iron intake, and Holley carb for an extra $125. Other then the tranny, what else will I need with the carbed engine?
I am hoping to not sacrifice too many mpg with the larger motor, I get around 16 city now, and I am guessing that carbed 302 will get aroun 13mpg city mated to a T-5.

So basically, my question is, think this carbed engine would be a good one to go with?
Also, what do I need to do for motor mounts? Will the mounts from a mustang work in my truck with just drilling a couple holes? Or do I need to buy some from advance adapters?

 

[alaskan155]

carb will be easier to get runing, vs fuel injection, but what people will tell you, since your truck is already setup for FI thats the route to go, plus the benifits to FI, make it worth it(personally i went carbed after playing with FI)

the easiest was to get the FI 302 running, since its speed density swap in an HO or 351w cam, then run a mustang ECU and wiring harness that MAF, be the best bang for the buck

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Go with the carb.

There were a few EFI projects on here that are still sitting stalled after numerous years because of wireing issues.

Carbs are easy, and if there tuned well they run just as good if not better then EFI.

I wouldnt run an holley though...i prefer edelbrock.

later,
Dustin

 

[superman22x]

The one thing is, I have a very low budget, and for $250 I can get almost the entire engine... just need to pick up an intake and carb and tranny. I see T-5s on craigslist for around 200-300 fairly often, but I don't know about the intakes or Carbs at all.

 

[alaskan155]

you could always run what im running a motocraft 2150 from a 351w, a 2bbl intake and duaspark II distributor, pretty cheap at the pick n pulls, or look on ebay for a 4bbl intake and edelbrock carb combo, see those every once in a while

 

[superman22x]

I'll keep my eye out for an intake and carb. I can always look on corral for those, not too hard too ship.
One more thing I thought of, will a carb sit up higher then an EFI engine? Will it even fit under my hood?
I think I will be getting rid of AC(got the rear window for that), but heat I will still want of course... that won't be a problem right?