So my buddy has a 1972 Comet and the 302 capped out on him. We have a guy who works at the junkyard and can get a complete 5.0 (1995-ish to 2000-ish)for around $350 with under 80k miles. How difficult is it to swap to Carb if we're putting it in a classic vehicle? No computer? Some people say it's easy as swapping the intake manifold and getting a Vaccuum advance distributor. Others say you need a ton of electrical work for sensors. I don't really know. Also, would a 5.0 from those years fit a C4 trans from 1972? Any help and advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

The 5.0 will bolt right in with little to no problems. You might check the intake manifold for fit. I remember one particular set of heads wouldn't bolt to the carb style manifold pattern. Something with the front 2 bolts on each side placement. It's been too long otherwise. On the sensors, if you use the 72 Comet ones then it will work. You may have a fuel pump problems tho. The 72 uses a cam eccentric and side mounted fuel pump, where the newer ones use electric f/p's. You would have to use your front cover (you would have to make sure that it fits, but i believe it does) I ran a 74 Comet GT for a couple years on the track with the stock bottom 302. I cammed it, Torker intake, 410 gears and AT. It was a fun little runner. The C4 in 72 will bolt to the newer blocks. It's the 64 1/2 and older SBF that use a different bellhousing pattern.

If you are getting an Explorer 5.0 for 95 up, then that is a roller cam motor also. The only 95 up 302's would be from an Explorer/Mountaineer, 95 Mustang, 95-96 F150/Bronco or Van. I can't think of another model with a 5.0 other than those I listed.

 

Side note on the Explorers. The 97.5 and up came with GT40P heads. Great heads, BUT, the spark plug angle is different. You may run into fitment issues with headers or exhaust manifolds..... just an FYI. The cam in said motor is junk, but the heads are awesome. You also may need a steel or composite gear on your distributor if the motor is a roller motor. One other thing, what are your plans for the fuel pump? There is no access hole in the covers of any of the motors you listed, nor is there a cam eccentric. Just a heads up - you may need to pull that off your old motor.

Pre 97.5 Explorers had regular GT40 heads.... same junk cam though.

 

We were planning on swapping the Cam to a Thumpr cam and also going edelbrock performer intake manifold. Would that affect the distributor more? And for fuel we were planning on using stock mechanical fuel pump but also considering getting a blocking plate and just going external electric Fuel pump. We're honestly trying to get the most bang for our buck. We were planning on adding a blower and other goodies down the road but since funds are pretty tight, we're just trying to get a direct bolt in motor with more power for as cheap as possible. We were planning on rebuilding the stock block but the pistons and bore has tons of wear and the crank is absolutely garbage from scorching and deep scratches as well as rust in the block due to sitting with water in the engine. For the clearance issues with the GT40P heads, we were also going to cut out some of the shock towers and box it in giving us an inch or 2 more clearance. But in your opinion, would you recommend us rebuilding the 302 we already have getting new everything blah blah blah, OR swapping to a more modern 5.0 then going Carb? Thanks for your Input! Very helpful!