302 to 3.8
11-30-2009, 05:35 PM
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302 to 3.8
Hello. I have a 93 f-150 4x4 with a 302 that will need rebuilt soon. I have a 95 taurus with a 3.8 that runs great. does anyone know if the 3.8 will fit the 302 bellhousing and if so will it need some motor mount modifications? Its just a thought right now but if it wouldnt be too hard of a swap i think i may try it. Thanks in advance.
11-30-2009, 05:39 PM
#2
FLARESIDE MAN !!!
Hello. I have a 93 f-150 4x4 with a 302 that will need rebuilt soon. I have a 95 taurus with a 3.8 that runs great. does anyone know if the 3.8 will fit the 302 bellhousing and if so will it need some motor mount modifications? Its just a thought right now but if it wouldnt be too hard of a swap i think i may try it. Thanks in advance.
11-30-2009, 07:18 PM
#4
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With the proper cooling system, taurus 3.8L engines are notorious for head gasket failures.
They are car engines, tuned for HP, not torque, and a taurus 3.8 wasn't even particularly good at that.
The computers are incompatible, as are the transmissions and other ancillary engine systems.
In short, it would wind up costing you far, far more than rebuilding or replacing the 302, and wouldn't even work well if done right.
They are car engines, tuned for HP, not torque, and a taurus 3.8 wasn't even particularly good at that.
The computers are incompatible, as are the transmissions and other ancillary engine systems.
In short, it would wind up costing you far, far more than rebuilding or replacing the 302, and wouldn't even work well if done right.
11-30-2009, 10:01 PM
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RE:
Thank all of you for your responses. I guess its unanomous. Ill not be doing it lol. I will just run it till it quits and then rebuild it. Thanks again for all the input.
12-01-2009, 01:01 AM
#6
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You should be able to find a fairly cheap low mileage or rebuilt 302 for short money, they're a common engine.
12-01-2009, 02:39 PM
#7
You wouldn't have to find only a 302 for it to work, a 5.8 351 would do, or a 4.9 300. All 3 options should be fairly common to find in the junkyards. Also all 3 engines would fit your transmission/motor mounts since they were f150 engines to begin with. 5.0 302 would probably be your easiest option since that's what you have right now.
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12-02-2009, 11:04 AM
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To answer your original queston.......... Yes the RWD 3.8 has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as a 302. FWD and RWD 3.8's are not the same block. Motor mounts are probably ok also, since I have installed 302's into fox body 3.8 mustangs with no modifications to the motor mount pads.
HOWEVER............. A 302 or 351 would be a all-around better application for your truck. A 3.8 will be a poor chjoice, espically considering tht it will soon wear out if you drive the truck like it should be driven. Better bang for your buck would be to find a 302/351 , or rebuild the motor you already have. Pass car and truck 302/351's are the same block, front accessories are different as well as pans and oil pickups.
Derald.
