I have the option of putting a 302 or 390 in my Mav, the 302 is free and came out of a '70-something Grenada, the oil pump locked up on it, thats why its free...the 390 will cost something(he hasnt decided) and is coming out of a 70-something Ford pickup, both has 50-60k miles on them. The issue is money, I'll be stripping down the 302 and putting a performance cam in and a bunch of other stuff thatll amount to about $1200, the 390 runs perfect but I want to be able to get everything I need and drop it in staying in that $1200 range(or if its even feasible to put a big block in a Maverick). I guess my question is if I drop the 390 in, will I break that $1200 mark? Will I have to get an all new suspension? what kind of trans will I need, how much motor mounts cost to fabricate(or if some other mounts will fit), will I need a custom driveshft, etc...
go with 302, the conversion costs, I.E. trans, mounts,shock tower mods, or a mustang II would eceed your nest egg. You could amp up the 302 and keep your trans and everything as it is now, save more money for accessories instead of fabricating. Plus the 390 weighs a ton more.
Definitely the 302, especially if money is an issue. The 390 will not just "drop in". Lots of mods required to make it work and as stated above...way heavier too. If you want power, stroke the 302 while rebuilding it. You can turn it into a 331 or 347 for little more money than a standard rebuild and get more street power than you need. I have a 347 and it can be downright dangerous on the streets. (But it's loads of fun)
While I admit the 390 would be cool and you can build them fairly cheap these days (compared to when I was looking into heads/intake for the 390 I build), I say go 302 also.
Alright, thanks guys I should be getting the 302 sometime this weekend then, Ill take a few pics when I get it...hopefully its not in that bad of shape.
If the oil pump locked up: Plan on new bearings,re-machined or new crank/rods.If it spun the mains align boreing will need to be done to the main saddles.Dont forget pistons and a re-bore if its really bad...Good luck (still cheaper than the FE swap though)
If it's in a pickup, chances are that 390 is actually a 360 anyways, which is a boat anchor unless you put the 390 crank and stuff in it.. They look the same on the outside.
Not sure where you got this from, but I've seen 352's run quite well and they are smaller than 360s. Granted, I'd rather have the 390 also, but I wouldn't rule it out as usuable.
