Considering 302 or 360 swap. Thoughts? Experiences?

[Bacon_Bitts]

The 352 in my 60 is dying. Before I pay for a complete rebuild I'm considering converting to a 302 or 360. Looking for the most reliable/compatible/affordable option. Anyone done this and how did it go? Thanks in advance.

[vegasjak]

The 360 is the same as the 352. It doesn't really make sense not to rebuild your 352. If you must change I would use a 390. They look and are the same engine and they are nearly bullet proof. JM

[Tbird6]

Looking at engine options too. The FE is a front sump V-8. It's simpler to stay with a front sump engine and you can convert front to rear and rear to front. BUT that adds to the cost.

As far as affordable that will be very dependent on what you can find locally.

I wanted to use the 5.0L Coyote and it's been done but there are a lot of added cost's as that engine is rear sump and comes with no PS pump. Both problems can be solved but together they add about $2000-$2500 to the conversion.

Plus now you need to change the transmission. Did you have one in mind?

What is your budget because in the end it all comes down to money.
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[jopizz]

A 390 is the way to go in my opinion. You can reuse your transmission and it has plenty of upgrade options.

John

[simplyconnected]

I totally agree with John. Ford put the 390 in everything (auto, truck, construction, marine, etc.) so there are still a lot of them out there and all the vendors support them. If you have spare coin, Edelbrock offers aluminum heads and intake for the 390/427 at a reasonable price.

The only way to tell the difference between FE engines is my measuring the bore and stroke. Otherwise, they look identical. Parts are more available for the 390 than the 352. Therefore, parts are less expensive for the 390. It is a great engine with plenty of power.

Again, if you find a 390, don't hesitate to measure the stroke because some sellers try to pass off their 352 for a 390:

Put the timing marks at TDC, remove #1 & #4 spark plugs. Stick a welding rod (or similar) down #1 and mark it at the rocker cover flange. Now stick the same rod down #4 and mark it the same way.

Measure between your marks.
The 352's stroke is 3.3"
The 390's stroke is 3.784"

That's .484 or nearly 1/2" difference. - Dave

[pbf777]

Just a note,

Popular Ford FE's, Bore & Stroke:

332 C.I.D. 4.00" X 3.30"
352 C.I.D. 4.00" X 3.50"
390 C.I.D. 4.05" X 3.78"
410 C.I.D. 4.05" X 3.98"
428 C.I.D. 4.13" X 3.98"

And yeah, I'd stick with an "FE"; whether you rebuild the original, or swap-in something else, staying within the same engine family will make the swap easier and look right.

Scott.

[Tbird6]

Hope he comes back with what kind of budget he has. As posted above the FE route will most likely be the easiest and cheapest way.
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