Engine swap in a 57

[Allans]

I need your help. I have a 57 with a 302 engine and a c4 transmission out of a 78 fairlane. The engine needs replacing. I am thinking of continuing to use a 302. Only for the ease of installing it to my existing c4. The auto wreckers said that I will not find a 302 out of the seventies at a wrecker. They have newer 302’s. My question is. Will it fit without a ton of modifications. Or should I continue to find a decent 302? Perhaps you have suggestions for a different size engine Your experience is much appreciated

[55blacktie]

The 66-up C4 transmissions mate up to a 6-bolt bellhousing. If you want to stick with a 302, I would look for an 85-up engine/w roller cam. You won't have to worry about having to break in a flat-tappet cam. The 85 Mustang 5.0 was the first year for the roller cam and the last year for a carburetor. Avoid 1986 heads. You shouldn't have trouble finding one.

[paul2748]

They made zillions of 302s starting with 68 I believe. There still have to be a lot of them in the yards. They don't have to be 70's engines as block wise they were pretty much the same right up to the end. Yes, the current 302's are not the same as far as i know, but I have had no experience with the later ones..

Additionally, check with Jegs or Summit, they have crate engines that will fit your bill.

[55blacktie]

The firing order of the 5.0 (302) roller-cams have the same firing order as the 351W; it's not the same as pre-85 260/289/302. Flat-tappet cams were used in truck applications after 85, but I don't know the cut-off date, and that might only apply to the 351W. It's easy enough to research. 302/351W crate engines are still available, but the 4-valve, DOHC engines found in 21st-century Mustangs are entirely different.

[55blacktie]

Allans, a fellow member of Sacramento CTCI has a 302 and 4-speed in his 55 Tbird. There were clearance issues with the 302 oil pan. I think he tried more than one, but I don't remember which one he ended up using, and I think it required some fancy work with a hammer. I'll ask "Roger" which pan he ended up using, if it helps. Your choices are front sump, rear sump, and dual sump, the latter of which was used on Fox-Body Mustangs and has two drain plugs. After getting tired of spilling oil during oil changes, I decided to pay someone else to do it.

[paul2748]

With a later 302 (80's, 90's) you may have to change it over to your set up, like oil pan, oil pickup, water pump, front cover, etc, depending on what is on the engine you end up buying. Everything should be interchangable.