302ho swap for 351m

[Rusty78]

Hello all,

I am looking for feedback about my idea. I have a 302ho from 86 mustang GT and I am looking to drop it in what is now a stock 78 Bronco with 351m. I am looking for more pulling power as well as better gas mileage. I know that since the bronco is designed like a brick high off the road not to expect many mpg's, but I would like better. I am acquiring a small block bellhousing that will hopefully fit my np435 that's in it. The 302ho lost its efi before I could object and was put in an 81 f100 (2wd) with edelbrock 600cfm and aluminum intake (not sure what it is). The motor launched the f100 great and would pull anything. The f100 is automatic, but the GT was 5 speed, still have the flywheel somewhere around here.

My original plans were to install the Edelbrock performer total power package (performer intake, cam, heads, 600cfm carb). I have recently been told about the ford racing cam E-303 which is cheaper than the edelbrock performer plus roller cam. My questions to you are:

1) Will the motor mounts of the 302 line up with the cradle on the bronc? Will I have to change oil pans?

2) Is the performer intake what I want, or would a performer RPM or RPM air gap suit me better?

3) Do I have to use my current power steering pump and hoses?

4) Anything else you would suggest? I am open to considering anything. If you hadn't noticed I'm young and dumb.

I just don't like to be pulling an empty flatbed and have a semi outrun me from 30 to 40 and up to 55. I know I'll upset someone with this, but the bronco is used on road as a secondary vehicle and through the winters.

 

[Yardape]

My honest opinion would be a 460 swap. They have great pulling power, they have better fuel mileage than the 351m. They have a bad rap for gas mileage but if you can control the skinny pedal it will be decent. The money you would save by this swap rather than the performer package would allow you to warm the 460 up a bit and make it reliable. New intake and carb would do you a ton of good. Maybe av RV cam of some sort. Its a much easier swap too.

 

[freak]

The 460 swap would be alot easier like Yardape already mentioned. You can switch the cam and everything in the 302 but you aren't going to get the torque that you need. You want the low end torque that that 302 just isn't going to give you. There's no replacement for displacement. Go for the cubic inche's. I don't think the motor mount's will line up either.