Theoretically any 302 would work--from a Lincoln, Mercury, Ford truck, Ford car, or Ford marine. But there are differences in build quality and in components.

I'd suggest using a roller long block 5.0L from a late-model (1987-1995) Mustang or Lincoln Mark VII (1987-1993) or 1998-2001 Explorer and swapping your front dress (timing cover, water pump, etc) and heads over to the new shortblock (or using the 5.0L E7 heads) or using a 1968-1974 302 block. The roller block is more efficient (roller lifters have less internal drag than flat tappet lifters found in earlier years). These would be the simplest options and are basically bolt-on replacements for your 289. Stay away from the mid 70-early 80s blocks though--the build quality and stock smog setup will severely limit any performance you have in mind.

If you have the money and ambition, get a salvage 5.0L with fuel injecition and mass air and swap over everything (engine, accessories, computer, wiring, intake, injectors). This will be more fuel efficient at respectable power levels compared to a carb'd engine. The drawback is cost (can be hundreds more big ones) and complexity comparted to carbureted engines.

Of course, a stroker (like a 331 or 347 or even a 351W based stroker) would also be nice, but the performer intake would limit your power gains.

I'm curious why you want a 302, which isn't that different from the 289 (at least on the surface. Do you need a new motor anyway? That's a lot of work for 12 or 13 more cubic inches.
Daniel

quote:

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Originally posted by BornInAFord:
Welcome to M&M!

Theoretically any 302 would work--from a Lincoln, Mercury, Ford truck, Ford car, or Ford marine. But there are differences in build quality and in components.

I'd suggest using a roller long block 5.0L from a late-model (1987-1995) Mustang or Lincoln Mark VII (1987-1993) or 1998-2001 Explorer and swapping your front dress (timing cover, water pump, etc) and heads over to the new shortblock (or using the 5.0L E7 heads) or using a 1968-1974 302 block. The roller block is more efficient (roller lifters have less internal drag than flat tappet lifters found in earlier years). These would be the simplest options and are basically bolt-on replacements for your 289. Stay away from the mid 70-early 80s blocks though--the build quality and stock smog setup will severely limit any performance you have in mind.

If you have the money and ambition, get a salvage 5.0L with fuel injecition and mass air and swap over everything (engine, accessories, computer, wiring, intake, injectors). This will be more fuel efficient at respectable power levels compared to a carb'd engine. The drawback is cost (can be hundreds more big ones) and complexity comparted to carbureted engines.

Of course, a stroker (like a 331 or 347 or even a 351W based stroker) would also be nice, but the performer intake would limit your power gains.

I'm curious why you want a 302, which isn't that different from the 289 (at least on the surface. Do you need a new motor anyway? That's a lot of work for 12 or 13 more cubic inches.
Daniel

[This message has been edited by BornInAFord (edited 11-01-2004).]

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What Daniel said

Any 302's made past 1982 have a different engine balance than the older ones. Therefore, the flywheel and harmonic balancer from your 289 will NOT work with these engines. Plus, the 302 stuff has 4-bolt pattern for installing the crank pully (289 has a 3-bolt harmonic balancer), so your front drive stuff will be all screwed up.

The later 302's also use a different firing order, so you'll have to get new plug wires... as some might not reach the new place they will have to plug into.

Later 302's do not have the threaded boss on the rear driver's side of the block where the old fulcrum type clutch linkage attaches. Luckily, you don't have a stick shift, but if you did, you'd have to purchase or fabricate something to attach your clutch linkage to.

If you would use a 5.0 roller cam engine, you'd need a 1985 distributer with the steel gear. This was the only year the roller cam came with a carburetor. This is an electronic distributer, so you'd have to switch to electronic ignition if you haven't already.

Going to fuel injection requires wiring up all the sensors, computer, etc.

If you want to keep it simple, stick with 302 produced BEFORE 1982. (or a 289) These have the earlier 28oz-in balance so you can use your existing 289 harmonic balancer and flywheel. They have the same firing order as the 289, and they have the threaded boss on the block for the clutch linkage.

If you want to get fancy and put yourself in for a lot more work.... you can make it as difficult as you want for yourself.

I just get the feeling from your post, you are looking for some sort of replacement engine and want to keep it simple.

Good Luck!

But, you might want to consider not reusing the old balancer (if it is more than a couple of years old or has cracked rubber). You can get a new one for $60 from Speedway motors that has both the 3 and 4 bolt patern and comes in either 28 or 50oz imbalance. http://www.speedwaymotors.com I'd suggest changing other things while you are in there unless you have brand new ones. I know this costs money, but a new oil pump, oil pump shaft, timing chain set, gaskets, spark plugs, spark plug wires, belts, hoses, etc should be a given. This is even if you get a rebuilt or lightly used engine. You can cheap out on some things, if needed, but it's a lot easier to change things now rather than later.

Good luck, and let us know what you are thinking. It's hard to tell from just one post what you want.
Daniel

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Ed S.