302 V8 Ford Truck Torquer Engine
What Year Trucks would this engine work best with ?
This engine works in any of the Ford Trucks from 1987 to 1996.
What about idle quality, compatibility of my existing computer?
This is a pretty common question. This engine can work on earlier "Speed Density" computers but is suggested to convert over to the "Mass Flo" V8 302 Truck computer. We go with a more aggressive Camshaft package with the the later style 94 and up Trucks. Idle quality is still good with a slightly more noticeable idle to it.
What other changes will be needed?
Some Headers would help. JBA makes a nice set part # 1627. Anytime you can free up (uncork) an engine the better it's going to run. An aftermarket chip could give you better fuel economy and perhaps tweak a little more horsepower as well.
What octane gas does this engine require ?
All our engines will run on good quality pump gas. This engines compression is 9.5 to 1 so it can run very comfortably within 89 to 92 octane range.
What is the Redline that this engine be taken up to ?
This particular engine we would suggest RPMs be kept to under 5500 RPMs.
What is the Power Range of the engine ?
1500 thru to 4500 RPMs Making this excellent for the Trucks!
Will my stock Transmission work with this engine ?
In most cases the answer to this questions is Yes. A great deal of our customers re-use or freshen up their existing transmission. A shift kit could help.
Will I need a higher Stall speed torque Converter to compliment this engine ?
This question applies to Automatic Transmissions only. It's not required, the factory converter will be OK to use. But depending upon the use of the Truck to the improve acceleration off the line. Other factors like the weight, gearing , tire size can come into play too. Speak to a Transmission expert on this.
Will it be required to change out my Rear End & What Rear end and Gearing is recommended with this engine ?
Two part question. Yes many of our customers past and present have used their existing rear end gears. But putting in a higher performance engine with a lower gear ratio can result in loss of the seat of pants torque feeling we all yearn for. This again comes into play what you want to do with the Truck. For the most part a rear end gear ratio of 3.55 up towards 4.11 would be ideal for a balance of running on the highway at a fair RPM level and punching the accelerator.. The RPM range that you drive in most will determine what's best for your situation. Speak with a Rear end expert for some assistance on this matter.
Can I use my existing Exhaust manifolds? Are Headers required and what diameter should be used ?
Yes you can bolt up your existing exhaust manifolds and in most if not all occasions that will be a direct fit. But as you may know an engine acts like a vacuum pump the more efficient the air and fuel is delivered in and exits out the better and more responsive it will become. The Edelbrock Aluminum Cylinder Heads on this engine have the same factory bolt pattern to work with pretty much any standard Header. A square port designed header would mate up best. A general idea in Header size would fall in place of 1 1/2 to 1" 5/8 .
What size Radiator is recommended ?
Last but not least! This engine or any other engine we offer needs to run cool to expect long term results out of it. A used / older radiator that has been sitting around is not worth cleaning and reusing . A new 3 or 4 core Radiator is a cheap investment compared to an overheated $5,000.00 engine! It's worth the investment to spend a couple of hundred bucks to get a new radiator. Pay a little now or pay a lot Later philosophy. There's plenty of good Radiator companies out there
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