hello all,
i have a 1985 ford f150. it has a 300 i6 in it and the motor has gone to complete crap, i didnt do it i would never mistreat such a wonderful truck that way but over the years others have not taken care of this truck at all whatsoever. I love my truck and want to get it back on the road, seeing as my fiance bought this truck for me and it was in the shape it was in when she bought it and now she feels horrible for even wasting her money, but i have fell in love with the truck and want to get it on the road. I found a 302 within my pricerange so i bought it, im using the swap as my senior project for my automotive technology lab at my highschool and need to know what all needs to be done to do the swap. all i have is the 302 motor and my truck there is no radiator or anything else for the 302 i jsut need to know what all i am gonna need to get it moving, and also i need to know if anyone has any ideas about places that may be able to donate parts to help me finish the project, seeing as this is really hurting my pocketbook and i have no other way to get to work then this truck. anything is help at this point
First let me say that I understand your plight, been there, done that, have the scars to prove it.
To answer your question, the radiators are different. The overall size is the same but the inlet and outlet are reversed plus the 300 uses a one row while most of the 302 applications are two row. The transmission probably will work with the 302 but the bellhousing might need to be changed. Then there are the motor mounts that won't fit the 302. Then the driveshaft might be of the incorrect length. The computer might not recognize the 302 as well. Now I am guessing on many of these points (except the radiator) but if I'm right, you are still a long way from getting the truck back on the road. By the way I have an '89 F-150 XLT Lariat and wouldn't part with it either.
So let me suggest the idea you don't want to hear but must consider. Sell the 302 and get yourself a 300 from the boneyard. It will drop right in and you won't need any other parts. The 300 will give you 2-300,000 miles if you take care of it.
If you go into your dealer and ask for an F-150 or Bronce/Explorer to tow with, they will suggest the 300 since it is far and away better in the torque department than the 302.
So stick with the 300. You'll be better off in the long run.
I second what Mr. Ed says. The 300 is a great engine. I use a 300 with a 5 speed transmission to pull a 22' Airstream trailer. If I drive 55 on the freeway and stay in 4th I get 17 mpg. pulling a trailer. It is a great motor. Very torquey motor. It is no speed demon but a very reliable motor if you take care of it. Stick with it, it will cost you less in the end. It would be a fortune to convert everything over. If you are in a class where you can build the motor that is a far better project that you will not be frustrated with. Putting a 302 in a truck which is set up for the inline 6 will nickle and dime you to death.
When I first got the truck (which was given to me) I wished it was a V-8. I have had this truck for 10 years now. I can't bear to part with it because of the motor in it. I wish Ford was still making the 300.
I changed from a 302 to a 429 and then to a 300...I'm pretty sure the 300 bellhousing will bolt up to the 302 but I believe the 300 may have an internally balanced flywheel which likely won't work properly on the 302..What year is the 302?...You will need different frame mounts and of course the mounts that bolt to the engine itself...Any reason why you don't want to just replace the 300 with another 300?
I just prefer the 302, i love the motor and love the power, im going for looks more than real power and as long as you some what take care of the 302 they will run forever i have seen them. plus im broke my trucks broke and my senior project is at hand, i gotta get it done and do good on it. Thanks for all the info i guess i will have to go junkyard hunting for parts.
300 to 302 is fairly simple. need new engine perches is what I believe they are called, Its like a cross member that the motor mounts bolt onto, will also need motor mounts. you should be able to find the cross member at a pick-a-part, etc. 80-86 perches will fit. as long as it is a small block it should fit the motor, ie. 302, 351. you will need to change radiator the inlet/outlet are reverse on the 302. depending on your transmission (manual or automatic), you will have to change your flywheel and get bigger clutch discs if your using a standard transmission, not sure about automatics. you may need to get a different driveshaft as well. you can find most of this stuff at a boneyard, but the tranny parts I would buy brand new. The radiator you can probably get away with one that you pull for a scrap yard but you will need to clean it out good.
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