Looking to swap in a 302... got a few ?'s

[BackRoadBomber]

I have a 68 f100 2wd with a 240i6 and 3 on the column manual... what I want to know, is if it would be possible for me to put a 302 in and retain the stock trans? obviously I'd need a different bellhousing, if they even make one. also, would the engine sit back farther so I wouldn't need a different driveshaft? and my biggest concern is the rod sticking out of the engine block that the clutch thingy pivots on. Did ford ever make a 302 with this setup? And if all else fails, would a newer pre fuel-injection 300 i6 bolt up? I also own a 96 f-150 with a 300 and it looks like the exact same block. Thanks.

[FordTruck]

The engine should sit in about the same spot. I know the clutch z-bar fits on a little piviot that threads into the side of the bolck. I know that the 300 and the 302 use the same bellhousing.

[FORDification]

The I6 and 302 have the same bolt pattern, so the bellhousing will bolt up just fine to a 302, but you'll need to get the small-block engine perches...the I6/FE stands you have now will cause the engine to sit about an inch too high, which will throw off the pinion angle (unless you also raise the transmission crossmember up the same amount).

The '80-older blocks will have the clutch pivot point for the older mechanical clutch linkage, but '81-newer small-blocks used a cable clutch instead of a mechanical linkage, so these blocks do not have the pivot point. Total Performance sells a bracket for this purpose, but they're not difficult to fabricate.

The chances are very unlikely that you'll be able to reuse your existing driveshaft.

[70_F100]

The chances are very unlikely that you'll be able to reuse your existing driveshaft.

Wouldn't the transmission sit in the same location?

[FORDification]

Not necessarily. The I6 is one inch longer than the 302, so the placement of the transmission will depend entirely on where the 302 motor mounts are situated on the block. I'm not 100% sure if the mounts are configured to keep the engine in the exact same spot, but I kinda doubt it'll be that close. It's just been my experience than any time you change to a different family of engine and/or transmission, a new/different driveshaft will be required.

[70_F100]

Keith, I would agree with that in many cases.

However, since the rear crossmember and transmission support are the same for both the I6 and the 302, along with the same shift linkage, I would think that the engine mounts would be designed to place the rear of the engine at the same place on either configuration.

Just my

[fordman]

i have seen it done with fe /l6 mounts. my 67 has a 351w in it with fe mounts. the transmission rubber mount will pivot and let the angle of the drive shaft change. it can also mess up the fan to shroud alignment. but these are minor problems. and mat never hurt a thing. but doing it the ford way may help these problems if they should arrise later on.

[averagef250]

Yes, any 300 six EFI or not will bolt right in where your 240 is.

[Redcap]

The Six is a better motor, in my opinion.

[BackRoadBomber]

wow! thanks for the quick responses! I'd agree that the i6 is a better engine but the one in my truck's shot. besides the fact that it has 174,000 miles, it's been poorly rebuilt (like, pizza boxes for manifold gaskets. I have pictures) it has the wrong intake/exhaust manifolds, wrong carb, it leakes oil out of every seal
i've looked at, and the main pully wobbles a little and I don't even want to figure out why. And since it's my summer toy I'd just assume rather than rebuild the 42 year old motor in it I'd buy a 302 or 351 shortblock, build it up to make some decent power and have a little pep when I hit the gas. Besides, I got my 96 f-150 with a 300 if I ever need to tow, haul, or pull anything out of the ground. Plus I'd like the reliability of a new engine.

[cdeal28078]

Also remember the 80-81 change on the 302 balance issue. Some of the 80 later 5.0/302's still have the boss for the Z bar but it needs to be drilled and tapped. I wish I had kept track of the engine dates on which ones had the boss left but I didn't
clint

[iamthewreckingcrew]

For what it's worth:

I took out the stock 240/6 and put a 72 302 right in it's place in my truck. Just had to use the 302 perches.