Hi, I believe I'm in the right section, since this is engines...lol. I'm swapping a 1982 302 f150 engine into my 1986 f150(originally had an I6). I figured since the 302 is already just sitting here, I'll just overhaul the entire thing before I put it in. What kind of setup would any of you recommend? anyone do a similar teardown and rebuild? I'm looking for a decent amount of power, especially for work and street, but for offroading as well... I guess a little of both worlds...lol

any suggestions or help would be great:-D

 

306 Stroker. That is all............
http://www.dssracing.com/306rotate.htm

 

Well my friend, let you're wallet do you're talking. On 302's, a good rebuilt bottom end is to start, but cam and heads, an Edelbrock setup, or Trick-flow, or even Ford Motorsport have combo's proven, as well as many more I'm sure. Hell, even a crate engine is too cheap anymore. My brother is a 302 nut, running a 306 with mahle pistons, eagle rods, a 10:1 comp, AFR heads (aluminum) roller rockers, a custom cam (local Michigan guy, awesome cam) and Trick-flow intake (EFI), he makes around 450 hp's. It's got a stand alone engine programming system via laptop on seat, but it's good and quick. I could mention lots of stuff that I see, but budget and necessity need to be narrowed down.

 

You need to change the computer, the harness and may have to change over some parts of the cooling system.
There is a difference between a 6 and an 8.
The 86 is speed density, batch fire injection so you will be limited on any large changes.
Throttle cable control of the AOD, exhaust etc.
The motor is still flat tappet non roller, so a cam change could still be done if the right one is chosen.
If I were doing a motor change, I would use a late model Explorer 5L, change over the computer to a 5L SD version out of a Lincoln Mark 7 or simular and all the dress issues and come out with a combination that will have a lot of good power all the way to 5000 rpm and has the good 40p heads.
While a lot of it is boltin, there are still a lot of differences you have to deal with in supporting the changeover.
You will be geting into a bigger job than you may think.
Good luck.

 

Well, I'm not looking for any street rodder or anything like that...just something that will have the power I need to work and play... on a not-really-tight-but-not-really-loose budget

*also, the six and the 8 aren't FI, they're carbed with the 4 speed manual...

 

make sure you have your new block checked for cracks first thing. Old ford small engines (windsor/cleveland)have weak main webbing. A tiny crack can ruin your day. Recently my pals bronco bit the dust with a crankshaft bearing support failure that was just insane. He was pulling a tiny tent trailer up a hill and it just exploded. Get your block checked..

 

Since the 302 is going in a truck you could go with a 5 speed tranny that way you can go with a bigger rearend ratio and still have overdrive for freeway flying. Remember you won't break any speed records with the weight of a truck with a 302 like in a car.

A rebuild with good pistons, torker II intake, cam, holley 600 with vac. secondarys and headers would make a nice package. Just make sure your cooling system can handle the bigger engine.

 

A 306 isn't a stroker... just a 30 over-bore....

I would order a 347 rotating assembly and have it put together. They have some good kits, for not too much money.

 

The 347's are nice but what I don't like is the short piston skirt to get the stroker to work. I know some guys that have run into a ring seal condition over a period of time. In a race car that's OK but in a truck?? I'd just go with a 351 then.

I run a 302 in a Falcon with Vic jr heads and manifold, 12-1 trw pistons, C5 tranny with 3500 stall TCI converter along with 4.10 gears. If I really feel the need for speed then I just push the button for a 275 shot of the go gas

 

If you are modding a 302 for *truck* use I'd look at torque enhancing mods, not necessarily horsepower enhancing. That old I6 has almost as much torque as a stock 302 to begin with, and it's at a lot lower RPM too. For pure torque, it's hard to beat raw displacement - you would be better served by throwing a 351 or a 460 in there.

 

Yeah a 460 would do it too

A bare 460 block weights about as much as a built 302 engine. I can lift a 302 bare block over my head but it's a no go with a bare 460 block, heck even the 460 crank will give you a good workout

 

thanks for all of the help guys...its much appreciated I also have another question... Any of you have a preference on a cam? and does anyone know what the stock gear ratio would be in the 1986 f150 with the I6 and the 4 spd manual and 4WD? lol sorry for all the questions...just doing all of my research first

 

Get the axle code off the door jamb sticker and look it up.