I have a '94 F-150 with 205k on her 302. We replaced the original water pump at 198K and because some bolts broke (big surprise, I know) we got to see more of her than originally planned-but it looks like she could just have the engine rebuilt. The thing is the machine shop would charge $3200 for the spiffing up (we yank and replace-not dressed) and frankly for the money I would rather drop a crate in her.

My brother keeps saying that the originally 302 wasn't enough power for the weight of the truck, which contributes to crappy gas mileage and that I should look for a more powerful one.(He current has his eyes on a 302 built to 260hp).

This truck is my daily driver, not a hauler. Any good suggestions on specific engines/ manufactures/suppliers?

 

What did you end up with