Thread: Difference between older 302 and newer

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I am basically a chevy guy but attended a Mustang event at the local dragstrip last week and I think I want to build one.I know nothing about Fords other than I have a 78 F100 with a 302,which I rebuilt this motor and it has done good,as a work truck. My son has a 91 Mustang which has a 4 banger.When I finish my current project I might buy his Mustang.
I asked very few questions at the track but was made to believe that this trucks 302 would fit son's 91 stang with the correct mounts.
My question is,is there any cost difference/parts availability issues with building this older 302 for power as compared to the newer 302's? Bolt patterns different,etc.,,,? Thanks for any replies.

they fit, but a mustang 302 from a '91 would be a EFI full roller motor.

Other then the roller cam, not a lot of difference. Another thing that comes to mind is that on the EFI engines, the front timing cover has the mechanical fuel pump blocked off. Also, on the newer ones the dipstick tube is in the pan and not on the front cover.... Block and head dimensions are the same.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Other then the roller cam, not a lot of difference. Another thing that comes to mind is that on the EFI engines, the front timing cover has the mechanical fuel pump blocked off. Also, on the newer ones the dipstick tube is in the pan and not on the front cover.... Block and head dimensions are the same.

Are all parts interchangable? Could I use my block and install a newer rotating assembly,cam,and heads?

Originally Posted by FAYLUR

Are all parts interchangable? Could I use my block and install a newer rotating assembly,cam,and heads?

Not a problem... Everything inside still has the same dimensions as your old one....

Basically what Dave S said is true - there are some significant internal differences that might concern you if you mix and match rotating parts, i.e. the balance is 50 in oz, beginning in '85 rather then the older 28, main seals are different, flex plate/torque convertor bolting is different. The front timing cover and pulleys are different, the newer being serpentine, reverse rotation drive which will make the engine a couple of inches shorter, but the older stuff can be interchanged. The oil pan on the newer engines is usually a rear sump - but again, with the right pump/pickup, not a problem.

Motor mounts are the same thru all years.

There is a Ford Parts Interchange soft bound book by George Reid (as well as many others) that covers most of this as well

I want to put a 10 1/2 clutch in my 84 capri and have a 90 fly wheel I thought they changed the balance weight sooner athan 85?

There is another link that I hope the moderators here won't mind me mentioning that may help with your questions. It's sbftech.com (small block ford tech).

The site is specfic to ford's and has a drag racing section, parts, SB engine, tech help, just tons of info. You may want to look at it being you want to go drag racing. One of the moderators there built a mustang named "Red Death" years ago that was supposed to be one bad ass car.

Originally Posted by timothale

I want to put a 10 1/2 clutch in my 84 capri and have a 90 fly wheel I thought they changed the balance weight sooner athan 85?

They did - and I made a typo - 1981. Sorry !!!

But, being Ford, make sure of your part numbers as they had a lot of 'year end' overlaps in that time frame that sometimes extended even longer

thanks t top capri with gt nose,hood scoop roll bar cowl braces and frame stiffner kit, i now hooks up so good the clutch is the weak link