I need to know the difference between 302 vs 5.0

capthazard · 10-09-2007

Can anyone tell me if a 1987 302 out of a Full size Bronco is the same as a 5.0? Any what tranny was used with this package??
Thanks

**EagleAutosports** · 10-09-2007

A 5.0 engine is a 302 cubic inch. 5.8 would be a 351. The difference is thought to be along the lines of distinguishing the HO engine and standard engine but they are the same size engine.

Tominator · 10-09-2007

I always thought that the 5.0 designation started during the change to metrics in the US auto market.

I've been building small block Fords since the early 70s and never heard the 5.0 nomenclature until then.

dawrr · 10-09-2007

That block has been used in SOOOO many cars.

heavy metal · 10-09-2007

5.0 and 302 are the same.the bronco probably had a c-6 trans. i am guessing.this setup should drop right in a stang,change oil pickup and pan.check where exhaust manifolds exit.

capthazard · 10-10-2007

Thanks for all the good info. I am really glad I found this great forum.

Spraguepsycho1 · 10-14-2007

I'm not sure if the '87 Bronco had the roller lifter cam or the flat tappet cam in it. Other than the camshaft and lifters, most everything else is probably the same as the Mustang. The roler cam engines used a steel gear on the distributor, the flat tappet cams used a bronze gear. If you use the steel gear on the flat tapper cam you'll trash the camshaft, use the bronze gear on the roller cam and the gear will be toast. Remember to use the intake and stuff off the Mustang engine, since the Bronco's didn't have Mass airflow sensors. If Iremember right Ford started calling the 302 the 5.0 back in '82. I know that was when they came out with the HO, and their big add was "The Boss is Back". The 5.0 roller cam engines started in '85 in the Mustangs.

5.0 in a 66 · 10-18-2007

A regular 302 and a 5.0L are different enough that it might be a good idea to consider them seperate. They started casting 5.0L blocks in 1982 and the mustangs got the roller 'true' 5.0L in 1985. Everything was SUPPOSED to use a roller block by 1986 but the trucks and vans didn't exactly follow the rules. By 1987, they were all roller blocks, but some didn't use a roller cam.

The 87+ truck 5.0L is 165hp and the car motor is 140hp. Both have FLAT TOP pistons so you can't put anything bigger than an HO cam in it.

BTW the roller cam gear is forged steel, not bronze.

A Bronco probably has a regular AOD, the C6 came with the 351W only AFAIK.