I'm not real savvy on the older obs fords and my father in law has come up with a project to do with what i think is like a bonding project. He's a chevrolet man and im a ford guy. Story is that this 88 f-150 had a 302 in it and a mechanic put a 302 from a 95 in it. would the two engines from those years be compaitble? i know the information is vague, just going off with what info was given to me. I am going this weekend to see what all is or isnt there that is obvious. Are there specific things to look for? any and all info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Those engines are compatible, but use all the ‘95 electronics.

I would refer you here for more bricknose truck engine talk:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum28/

 

The engines are very similar, '95 should be a roller cam, while '88 is a flat tappet. So firing orders are different, and cam drive gears are made of different materials. The easiest way to complete the swap would be to use the '95 long block with all of the '88 accessories and wiring. Then just make sure you use the '95 firing order, and swap a steel gear onto the '88 distributor.

 

It has the 95 long block in it now so that part is over with. So whats left is to run the wiring harness and swap the firing order over to the 95 order and see if it fires. I do appreciate the help. I'll report back with the weekends findings.