Some 302 conversion questions.

[TerraBomb]

I have read and read and read all the 302 conversion threads i could find but i'm still kinda hazy about some things.

i definatly am going to swap the 4.0 for an 302, the 4.0 is ridiculous slow...i need something with an bit more power then this...

My X is an 1992 XLT 4WD-4D with Auto trans.

I have found the adapters and parts i need to get the motor in the X but what about the tranny and the transfercase etc ?
is it better to buy the 302 with tranny or do i use the tranny on the X ?

another one...wich 302 is the best ?...are there specific years of the 302 better then others ?...i'm prolly gonna buy the block out of an junkyard and completly tear it down and rebuild it myself, since money is an difficulty i'm goin to take it easy on the motor and take my time with it, my old 4.0 is still running and i will try to keep it running for atleast another 6 months, so i have some time to spare and some time to save me some moneys to do the job....

any kiind of info would be greatly apreciated on this...

 

[mrboyle]

You will need the tranny from a 302. I don't know if anyone makes an adapter to mate the stock tranny to a V8, and even if someone did I don't think it (the tranny) would hold up long. As far as what to look for, are you planning to keep the injection? If so I would look for a late model X or Merc, 5.0 that is complete (everything ie: intake, exhaust, accessories, engine harness, etc..). If you are planning to run a carb then I would look for a '85 or up block. The early 302's ('67-'69) are the best, but if you get a late model block and heads you will avoid a lot of headaches. In all honesty though I still think you best bet would be a complete late model X or Merc. 5.0. Remember the small stuff (brackets, accessories, pulleys, etc...) add up and can double the price of your swap faster than you know it.

 

[TerraBomb]

but they have the most performance parts for the older carburated blocks right ?


hmmm...now i got to think about what i want, i like carbs but it can be an hassle at times , but you can get more horses out of them, what about an 5.0 EFI from an mustang ?...i know an guy who's got an police interceptor block out of an old mustang, and i know he's selling it....i don't know what he wants for it though....


hmmm i might just end up buying an complete mustang , i got an 426 in the building with 0 miles on it, so if i got with an carb motor i could use my 426 on the mustang.....i had an mach 1 but the body was in such an bad shape that it wasn't worth the efford to try to set it straight.

 

[mrboyle]

As far as the blocks go, they are basically the same from '66 on. The main differences is in the casting quality. The older blocks used (according to what I've heard) a higher grade cast iron, but the newer blocks are cast with much stricter standards. The main thing you need to lookout for is mixing old and new. The Later H.O. motors use a different crank ballance and have a one peice rear main seal ( I prefer the new blocks because of this). Another thing to lookout for and steer clear of is a previously rebuilt motor. The small block Ford is a thin wall casting and is not recomended to be run any more than .030" over bore. True people have run them at .040"and .060" over, but this is not recomended on a street engine. Like I said before, your best bet would be to find a complete donor motor that includes ALL the accessories and brackets. This will save you time headache and most of all money!

 

[TerraBomb]

i'm gonna call around somwhere this week and try to find me an totalled merc or an X, that's been hit on the back, and just buy the whole thing....unless i can find an cheaper engine, but my guess is when i do it might not be complete...