trying to figure out if a 1987 302 out of a van will go into a 1994 f150 with a 302

 

They are both 302. Nobody makes a 303 as far as I can recall. And they should swap.

 

Because of electronics and cam/valve train differences, it would be better to find one out of a similar year truck or van. In 93/94 trucks they changed to the HO firing order and introduced mass air flow sensors, which completely changes the way the computer controls fuel, idle, etc.

 

I thought about that. But wasn't 100% sure. Is the block essentially the same?

 

Essentially the same, yes. But since the ‘87 was a carbed motor, you would have to strip it down to the heads and try to retrofit all the FI stuff back into it, as well as the distributor, water pump, serpentine belt, accessory brackets, et al, and not to mention that the old block uses a mechanical fuel pump too. Better to get a newer engine in the long run....

 

block didn't change

 

I don't think they went to Mass Air until 94 (which might be good for you). My 93 is Speed Density. Or should I say, was (that will be changing soon). Mass air would make it relatively easy to go with the older upper, I would think.