[Mtos13]

Need help! Is it possible to swap a (390 block) from a 1971 Ford F-250 truck into a 1983 GT with a 302? And if this is possible what modification would I need to do this?

Story:

I currently have a 1983 5.0 Mustang GT convertable with a 302 engine, I've done some research for this model and I plan to restore but I would really like to add more horse power. I also have a 1971 3/4ton Ford F-250 truck that I plan to sale but before I do that I figured that since the truck has a larger engine why not swap. But I was not sure if that was possible just because they are both from the same manufacture does not mean they can easly be swap? Can someone help me to understand what is possible? and what is not?

Thanks
Mike T

[GTRaptor]

It is possible but it is also a pain to swap, the 390 is VERY VERY wide, you might need to modify the shock towers to get it to fit in there. You also need a tranny, since the 302 and 390 bellhousing bolt patterns are different.

Now..the 390 is not that "hot" and it is very heavy. Better find a 351, it is almost a bolt-on deal.

[theshadow]

I agree with GTRaptor, you would be much happier with the simplicity of the swap. But if you must go with a big block I would go with a 460. The parts are cheaper/easier to find and a better motor to start with.

[5.0ForLife]

Originally Posted by theshadow

I agree with GTRaptor, you would be much happier with the simplicity of the swap. But if you must go with a big block I would go with a 460. The parts are cheaper/easier to find and a better motor to start with.

Well, the guy did say he already has the 390. Does your truck have a good tranny? I wonder if that tranny would fit in the stang? I know a guy who had
an '84 Frankenstang. It had a 460 out of a truck, not sure what auto tranny.
It was a 4 cyl to start with, so anything is possible. It had what looked to be
a stock 4 cyl radiator with electric fans on both sides of it. I drove this car and
boy did it pull hard! first automatic i actually liked.

[Knightnsd]

Sounds like a lot of work, the 390 is a great truck motor but not a performer. My s code had a 390 before I got it, I opted for a stroked windsor that was dynoed last week at over 320 at the tires before my clutch slips. When I looked at the power versus weight issue of the big block, I stuck with the small block.