5.0 - 302 Engine opinions please.

[Fordvans]

I just bought a 94 E150 Conversion van off a neighbor who is falling on hard times.

Van has 117,000 on it and I'm wondering everyones opinion on the 302 Engine it has.

I hear its of course the wrong choice for a heavy van, but I hear they are good solid engines.

Thanks, your experience and responses are appreciated.

[SC Car Dude]

"I hear its of course the wrong choice for a heavy van, but I hear they are good solid engines."

If it needs more "get up and go" from a stop sign, or pulling up a hill, then you can always swap in a higher gear ratio like 4:55 or something.

I think the 302 is a great engine because it is easy to work on, easy to maintain, reliable, and parts are easy to find for it and are relatively cheap. Plus they are rebuildable unlike alot of newer use-n-toss/warranty bomb engines. Also, having iron heads and block helps provide a little more forgiveness for occassional, accidental overheating without necessarily having warped heads or blown head gaskets. And finally, after you wear the engine out you can always find some hot rodder interested in buying it from you for a few hundred bucks.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by SC Car Dude

If it needs more "get up and go" from a stop sign, or pulling up a hill, then you can always swap in a higher gear ratio like 4:55 or something.

WOW ! Talk about "over kill" ! A 3.73 (which is the ratio that comes with the trailer tow option) should be more than enough and not hurt your fuel economy too bad.

[BroncoJoe19]

Nice thorough response. Not only do I agree, but it was said better than I would have.

[93probe_2.0]

my buddy has a 79 f150 work truck with the 302 in it, that truck has been through 500,000 miles of hell. between his and my driving, constant overloading and driving through mud, brush, pulling stumps, etc... the truck still runs strong as the day it was bought... no rebuilds, the heads haven't even been pulled on it. the only thing done to it was valve cover gaskets, an oil pan due to a boulder, and a carburetor. that motor is rocket proof damn near.

[Fordvans]

Thanks. I have another question, I put a Superchip in my 94 Chev suburban and it woke that dog right up.

Anyone ever chipped a 302 or can you even do it?

[ncfurnitureman]

I agree with sc car dude also. I just put a rebuilt 302 in my 86 ltd and found it very easy to work on. (not sure about a van though) One bit of advice If you do a lot of towing or serious hill driving make sure your cooling system works well, and buy some decent gas. I got into some bad gas and heated mine up in the mountains and it started knocking (detonation) and before I knew it I blew it all to hell. It had 100,450 miles on it. Bad gas+thin air+hot day+didn't have sense enough to stop=$1,500 and two weeks of my life I'll never get back. But with that said I pulled a 2000lb pop up camper with mine for 4 years and never had a bit of trouble. It ain't gonna spin the tires but who cares.

[93probe_2.0]

Originally Posted by Fordvans

Thanks. I have another question, I put a Superchip in my 94 Chev suburban and it woke that dog right up.

Anyone ever chipped a 302 or can you even do it?

it's definitely possible, you'll probably have to do some shopping.