which 5.0(302)

[dirtymike]

I am looking into a V8 swap. I really don't know where to start. Would like to have a carb back, points all that 60's jazz. Point me in the right direction If it aint to much trouble, I can screw up everything after that. Dirty

 

[Dirtman]

Is this for the 1987 in your profile? If so then sky is the limit if you are going with a carb setup.

85-93 would be ideal since they are roller engines and use the most common front accessories, but the trade off is the blocks are slightly thinner than the earlier 70's blocks, they are still capable of being built for quite a bit of power though. 97+ explorer or mustang GT have the best factory heads. You will need to buy an intake to swap it back to carb in both cases though.

I don't really think there is a wrong answer, no 302's were bad. There are just differences between the years. If you are going to rebuild it anyway then it doesn't matter much. 1969-2001 will work. If you just wanna buy something to slap right in then obviously find a pre fuel injected engine. I think that started in 87?

 

[RonD]

Best bet is a 1982 or later 302 with 4 barrel intake already in place
1981 was when Ford change to 50oz balancer so easier to get parts for it, but not a big deal if you get a deal on an older 302 with 28oz, but you need to KNOW what year the engine is to get correct parts

I would use an HEI "coil on cap" distributor, points may sound romantic but they were never a good spark system, HEI is a 1 wire hook up, 2 if you want a tach
But up to you

 

[dirtymike]

Yes Dirtman it is the ranger in my profile. I have been procrastinating on a V8 swap for a long time because it is a 4X4. I dont need anything with alot of power. The drivetrain(D28) works just fine for me, im easy on mine and dont get into tight spots like i use to. So pre 82 5.0 with HEI. dirty

 

[RonD]

4.0l swap would give you a bit more power and just bolt up to existing trans/drivetrain
But not really a carb/distributor engine.
The 1990-1994 4.0l computer, EDIS-6 and harness are not that complicated to install

 

[dirtymike]

That was my first thought, 91-94 explorer, 4.0, D35. Cant find one with in 100 miles that is running and for sale. I understand the comp/EEC-IV and the EDIS-6 systems, they are good systems and last a long time but i was trying to install something simpler than what i have. Dirty

 

[Dirtman]

Well If you want simple...

 

[RonD]

With a big enough flywheel a "hit and miss" engine could out perform a 2.9l

 

[Angie]

Watch out for the 255 block. (1979-1983-4) follow the casting numbers and due your due diligence on what ever block you decide on. Cheers

 

[rubydist]

I would strongly suggest the Explorer version of the engine so you get decent heads. Those are significantly more power and torque than the earlier ones, especially compared to the pre-90 engines. Those 80s 302 were about equivalent in power and torque to a 4.0 sohc.

 

[dirtymike]

Love hit and miss engines. Put one on each wheel and potato potato I go. Trying to find the V8 now. There aint much on junk yards around here. If anybody in here is close(37840)and has a spare 302, give me a shout. Still searching. Cant think of anything better to do than rebuild a V8 for a winter project. Dirty

 

[dirtymike]

Found a reman 4.0 for 2550.00

 

[Angie]

I have to ask, you found a 4L what gen? and does it come complete with all the wiring and the computer and all the other added problems it will need if it is EFI? you might be asking for bigger probs if you aren't already wired for it. (just tossing this out there) cheers

 

[dirtymike]

Still searching for a carb/302, The 4.0's I keep finding are from junk yards(91-94). They know the 4.0 fits multiple fords so they pull everything that it needs to run. 2550.00 is about average for the complete set up, at least where i have looked so far. A stock 302 is about 100lbs heavier than a 4.0, correct?, does it have more torque? With 2550.00 i could build a nice stock 302 with a carb, its the prep work that seems a bit pricey. Searching Dirty

 

[dirtymike]

what casting numbers am i looking for (the 255 block. (1979-1983-4 ). So this is one to stay away from? Edit, i wikied it. Says ford stopped production in 1982?