Long time reader first time poster

[Rusty78]

Hello all. I've been reading a lot of threads here and I am finally introducing my bronco. It is a 78 custom, left stock. 351m np435 np205 dana 44 w/3.54 gears. I am looking at dropping in a 302ho that lost it's efi (not my idea, was gone before I could object). Looking at upgrading with performer total power package from edelbrock. I'm sticking with the 302 for hopefully better gas mileage, i know i could make my 351m into a 400 to get plenty of torque, but forgive me, this truck is not going to be used for much outside of highway driving. Mud is just to ******* vehicles in my opinion, although I love to play in the snow. It's got 33 12.5 15's BFG A/T ko's on 8 inch rims. Would've liked to go wider rims but the tread already rubs the front traction bars when turned most of the way, plus the wheels rub the tie rod ends. I would like more power, hence the switch to the 302ho. The ** performed wonderfully for me in an 81 f100 so i was hoping for similar performance in the bronc. The bronc is a hand me down, my grandfather bought it new in 77 and I can't let it go, although it would be easier once you see the pics. It's rusted a lot.

Also I have a 76 f100 short bed and since there are faster responses here than on the fordfzone i figured I might be able to ask questions about it too. I am looking at converting it to a 4wd to use as a plow truck. I got it from a friend and he says I have to use the 351c 2V that's in it. The 4wd drivetrain I have is in a 77 f250 with front leafs. I read earlier that the frames on the f250 were stronger, and I was curious about the validity of that. They seem to be the same to me by looking at them.

Thanks in advance for all the advice.

 

[Yardape]

Everything sounds just fine for your 302 swap. The 5.0 H.O. uses a roller camshaft, if you get the power package from edelbrock you will have to take note of that. Are you positive its an H.O.? What year is the motor? If you get the power package I would suggest Heads, performer rpm intake, and carb. But save the camshaft for Ford Motorsport. Get the E-303. I prefer Holley Carbs over Edelbrock, have you considered the Holley Truck Avenger?

 

[Rusty78]

Thanks yardape. It's from an 86 mustang gt with indeed a roller cam. I was looking for more power in the low rpm range to a max of maybe 5000 that's why i was thinking of going with the performer intake, cam, and heads. Does that E-303 that you recommend have a similar power range? I've heard lots of stuff, not sure if true or not, about holleys and others. I put a Carter 625 cfm on my 84 camaro (305) with performer RPM intake and headers, seemed to help and the carb was one of the best I have had the privelage of working on. We currently have a 750 cfm on 72 t-bird (429) and 600 cfm on 75 high boy (400), and both work wonderfully. My uncle who does work on vehicles professionally says that ford motors don't like 4 barrel carbs, but the 302 had the 600 cfm on it before the carb made it's way to the 400. Worked great. So what do you know about this Truck avenger carb?

 

[Rusty78]

p.s. I will be considering all your criticisms and suggestions since I am relatively young and want the best bang for my buck, but hopefully will be able to retain somewhat feasible gas mileage. The t-bird will do about 18 mpg's as long as you don't kick in the 4 barrels, if that happens watch the gas gauge fall as the speedo climbs.

 

[Rusty78]

Thanks again yardape. Same cam, .050" duration, lobe separation, etc. plus $40 less, you're a real money saver.

 

[Yardape]

Older Fords that may be true cause they were torque monsters, built for low end torque. Tons of grunt for around the farm, thats way they had smaller heads than chevs, chevs were for higher RPMs. You put a 4bbl on the older Ford engines, you are letting a ton of air in but has nowhere to go, the heads were not designed to let this air increase out. You take the Boss 302, 351c Heads, you couldn't cram enough air into that engine. There was no restriction. If you use heads on your 302 that are designed for low end torque then what your uncle says is true. If you install a set of Edelbrock heads you are allowing your engine breathe. Thats another reason 5.0 Mustangs were so fast, they take a small engine make it rev and make it breathe, and it was kicking ass on chevy 48 cubes larger with ease. The Holley truck Avenger is the best offroad carb on the market at the moment. This is opinion not fact. It was designed to excel offroad. You have already stated that you wont be seeing much offroad, so maybe an edebrock will be your best option. They are very user friendly and require no tuning out of the box, just slap it on and go.

 

[Yardape]

Thanks again yardape. Same cam, .050" duration, lobe separation, etc. plus $40 less, you're a real money saver.

Thats the first someone has ever accused me of being a money saver, usually I am convincing people into getting parts that I want for their trucks and not what they want.