Whats up guys! So im picking up a new project that will more then likly be picking up with a 302 swap.
So the motor is a 302 flat tapit cam its from a 1988 ford LTD. It has 140-160k on the clock and it ran great when we pulled it. Its not going to be a motor built for power just something to drop into a truck "hinthint" and run and drive.
So I started looking at the motor with the valve cover and the plugs to get an idea of the motors health. The oil pan and pump will come off soon but its not up in ther air so that will wait till later.
So the motor looked more or less good. No major signs of sludge but there was a little.
The plugs also look good. The car was running EFI but I will more then likely run a carb.
Also the intake looks more or less normal.
So ya this is the motor and im not sure if I should plan on a rebuild before the motor goes in or if the motor should last a while longer. I will probably just do a summit racing rebuild kit and have the block checked over by a shop. I would also like to run a bit of a cam so the truck sounds better and im sure the stock cam is pretty tired after its long life. So ya what has you guys luck been with the 302 with moderate miles?
Throw a timing chain and oil pump at it and go. Dont go looking for trouble.
In reply to Dusterbd13:
Oh ya I forgot we already have everything to do a "soft" rebuild "water pump timing chain oil pump gaskets" everything that can easily be done outside the car.
I have no advice but i'm interested in the answer. my '87 e150 has 160k on the clock of it's 302. Still runs great, but something is leaking oil. And burning oil. And coolant is going somewhere...
I'd spend your time getting the swap and the 3,000 other little things sorted out and just run it. If you decide later to rebuild it I bet it wouldn't take more than 2-3 hours to pull it.
In reply to jfryjfry:
Ya I think that's going to be my plan. Im going to be doing a few other things past the motor swap. But the motor should be easy iv already done one 302 swap but always more to learn.
So more updates on the motor, at this point I don't think im going to rebuild it. I pulled the intake and was surprised to find that it is a roller motor so no flat tappets! The motor is from a 1988 LTD said to have 150hp 270lbs as advertised. SO im going to run a carb with a decent dual plane intake and headers. I know the mustang was said to have 225hp from the factory so where is the gap in HP? Camshaft and heads? I might swap the cam but don't want to mess with the heads unless I find a cheap set of GT40 heads.
Anyway iv been playing with this build/swap in my head and wanted to see what you guys think!
JGRAHAM
New Reader
3/26/17 7:44 a.m.
Great advice here and you're on the right track. I went through this mental battle of a complete rebuild with my autocross ranger. Hindsight Is 20 20, but I did a full blown build. I tore mine down to the block and it sucked up a lot of the project's time and money.
I'd use your motor as is (aside from the easier preventative maintenance work) and continue on with the rest of the build. Find another 302 and build it up as time permits. 302s are plentiful and cheap. Good performance parts can be had for cheap on craigsist if you are patience.
If you want to build one wouldn't a cheap roller block Exploder motor be a better starting point?
In reply to BrokenYugo:
Yep it definitely would be but I already have this motor. I have the explorer motor in the RX7 this motor just needs to run good and live a good amount of time. Any cheap power I can get from it will be nice.
The next step will be swapping off the AOD trans for a T5, or is it worth it?
Then just reseal it and maybe stab in a cheap mild cam that's a good match for the presumably crappy heads and low compression, with any luck it will break the 200HP mark. I think the 5.0 HO longblock in the mustangs and a few others had a different cam (with a different firing order), heads, and pistons.
