Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Swapping => Topic started by: matttherat on June 24, 2005, 12:49:16 PM

Title: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on June 24, 2005, 12:49:16 PM
My friend can get me a 302 boss for like $300 (no specs yet, he just knows he can find one  :bs: ) but lets assume for this post that he can  get me a good 302.

What would be the pros and cons of the whole thing? (including the installation that i can assume will be a nightmare)

The mounts should line up, I have the v6 now, thats a 302 .. so from what I know itll fit (Remember im not doing the installation, im still learning)

The wiring will be the big nightmare..


what other problems, and what else will i need


thanx
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Ifixyawata on June 24, 2005, 12:55:12 PM
Assuming you use a carb, the wiring part will be minimal.  If I recall, parts for a real Boss 302 are very hard to come by and VERY expensive. I remember an intake manifold going for over $1k on ebay. For example (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36474&item=7981744601&rd=1). I also think the motor mounts are different as well.  Boss 302 is a motor for car collectors who have to have all original parts, etc.  For less money you can make more power and actually be able to afford parts for a regular 302 or even a 351 with much less hassle.  Also, I'm doubting that a real boss 302 could go for $300, but it could be.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Ifixyawata on June 24, 2005, 12:57:42 PM
Here's another example... $700 starting bid on a damaged bare block.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33613&item=7982951058&rd=1
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Cad-T-Bird 500 on June 24, 2005, 02:51:03 PM
If it is really a Boss 302, buy it and then sell it for more.  You can tell by the big round intake ports.  They are not really that good of engine for the street, not much low end torque.  Do some reserch first so you know what you are buying.

I had a boss 302 once that I sold for $500 (about 1980) I wish I kept it, worth a lot more now.  The guy used it for sand drags in his Jeep and did very well with it.  I don't remember the motor mounts being different, but it was a while ago.

TED
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: jcassity on June 24, 2005, 11:09:59 PM
i only suggest you back up about a hundered steps and think about what you have just said.
You have quite calmly posted that your friend can get you a 302 boss for 300 bux.............................
end of converstion on that part,
see, you might wanna think about the learning part some more cause if someone can offer you a 302 boss and install a 302,,, would you know what the major internal differences are? what would stop them from billing you for a 302 boss?

your swap wont be hard and wiring is only a nightmare if you let it.  get manuals for the wiring or ,,,ask and ye shall receive  :crazy:  People here can get you wiring of the engine harness im sure.

just be careful , i know you said he's your friend but hopefully your friend knows a boss from an ho 302.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Bird351 on June 24, 2005, 11:42:25 PM
No disrespect meant to your friend, but I'm going to toss out another possibility here: Could your friend have possibly whipped up a 302-based "Clevor" and just thought of it as, and labelled it as a Boss 302? I'm a wee bit rusty on my 60s-70s engine knowledge, so please forgive me if I'm a bit off on this one.. but that's something that came to mind when I first read this earlier today.

If it really is a Boss 302, in good condition, and only $300, I'd snag it in a heartbeat.. clean it up.. and then turn around and sell it to some musclecar owner for much more.. or, better yet, find a decent 60s musclecar to stuff it into. In one of these, I'd rather build up an EFI engine (4.9L, 5.0L, or 5.8L) and stick with the 80s-90s tech. But that's just me. Do what you think best. From what little I remember of that engine, I don't see why it should be any different to mount it.. might just be different in things like finding a proper exhaust for it.

EDIT: BTW, Boss 302 =  :bowdown:  :bowdown:  :bowdown:
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on June 25, 2005, 09:22:14 AM
I dont know, my friend just bought a 92 camaro with a LS1 corvette engine in it for like dirt cheap (for 1,500) and its in nice condition.

He has connections thats for sure. Lol. But I will make sure I know everything about it before I go and buy it.

He didnt say he had it already he said hed look around and thought he could find something like that. Im really not to worried, any good running v8 that we can get in my cougar for $300 is good for me lol.

Thanx

Edit:
changed the price of the camaro... I asked him what he got it for
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Haystack on June 25, 2005, 09:48:58 AM
my freind got two or three firebirds with corvette engines for around $1000. And theres prolly 50 camaros to every firebird.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Beau on June 25, 2005, 12:19:54 PM
The GM triplets, Camaro/Firebird/Trans-Am, all got a somewhat detuned version of the Vette's LS1...
kinda like SO vs. HO, if ya will.
I've rode in and drove one, wasn't quite as quick as the Capri, but for sure had a higher top speed.
I'm sure someone here knows more than I do about the LS1 stuff.
If you can get a genny 302 Boss, I'd get a vault and hide it away, them things are nearly worth their weight in gold, and will only get more so.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Ifixyawata on June 25, 2005, 02:19:32 PM
If you just want a good running V8 to get into your car, I hate to sound like a broken record, but you'll have peace of mind in an H.O. or a 351.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: 30thtbird on June 25, 2005, 07:11:34 PM
Amen!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on June 25, 2005, 09:31:27 PM
Quote from: matttherat
I dont know, my friend just bought a 92 camaro with a LS1 corvette engine in it for like dirt cheap (for 1,500) and its in nice condition.

He has connections thats for sure. Lol. But I will make sure I know everything about it before I go and buy it.

He didnt say he had it already he said hed look around and thought he could find something like that. Im really not to worried, any good running v8 that we can get in my cougar for $300 is good for me lol.

Thanx

Edit:
changed the price of the camaro... I asked him what he got it for


The LS1 was not produced till like '97... The '92 may have have had a LT1, still a good runner. Have to watch out, as some of the Maros had LO output 305s...
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on June 25, 2005, 11:18:48 PM
Yea, Im hoping just to find myself a fairly good 351W and get that in there.. He can help me put it in still tho :-p

How hard would that one be, assuming I had all the required parts.

Thanx everyone, sorry if i sound like a moron to you guys, it might be beacause I pretty much am, but im learning, and the only way im gunna learn more about engines is if i can help swap an engine into my cat.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: bigcat06 on June 25, 2005, 11:43:36 PM
i am putting a 351w in my cougar . the engine i am pulling out of my for truck what are somt things that i will need to get the job done and how hard will it be to wire it up. it will have a 600 carb and can i use the stock fuel lines with the elec fuel pump
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Haystack on June 26, 2005, 09:30:00 AM
Quote from: FordTruckFreeek
The GM triplets, Camaro/Firebird/Trans-Am, all got a somewhat detuned version of the Vette's LS1...
kinda like SO vs. HO, if ya will.

yeah exept the vettes had 300 hp and the camaro/transams has optional up to 250 hp. He is looking at 79 to 84 or so.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on June 29, 2005, 09:31:12 AM
Ok, new idea.. different friend. lol

This friend suggests going to the junkyard and getting a 85 or older (carbed) 5.0 from a mustang, and the tranny.

He sais it will be pretty simple beacause its carbed.

What all will we need, and what are the advantadges/disadvantages?


Oh yea.. and what suspension modifications are a must?
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Haystack on June 29, 2005, 09:40:06 AM
try to get an 82 up. I think they switched the rear main seals then. Actually get older then 82. Then convert it to roller lifters and get a new cam and heads. It will be as good as new but leak less oil then a newer block.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Ifixyawata on June 29, 2005, 03:38:35 PM
Good luck finding one of the right year.  I looked for one of those for a long time to try and find the correct Duraspark wiring harness and a few other parts.  That's still a much more simple solution, though.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on July 01, 2005, 12:16:03 PM
im going to need to do some suspension modifications for sure right? at lest to springs for the 5.0?

and can I run this engine without exhaust upgrades.. I plan on getting them eventually but I cant right away
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Chuck W on July 01, 2005, 01:10:19 PM
How about just putting an EFI 302 in there?  You already have the fuel system (aside) from a pump upgrade)..and you will just need the engine(ECU) harness....

Why take a step backwards?  I would not trade my EFI for a carb on any of my cars, and if any were still carb.....they'd be EFI by now.  My old 82 5.0 Mustang and my ex's 83 Tbird 5.0 were both carbed and ran well as well as the 79 turbo Pace Car....but they were a PITA to keep tuned and were never consistent.

Yeah it's appears "easier" up front to just throw a carb on the car and cobble up some ignition and fuel system, but if you do your homework beforehand and know what you're getting into, the EFI will give you better results in the long run..esp for a daily driver......
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: matttherat on July 01, 2005, 01:20:32 PM
and thats why im on these forums askign all these noob questions. lol

thanx for the input chuck.

what should i get an EFI 302 out of, my friend has a deal with the junkyard, any 302 from any car will only run me $300
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Chuck W on July 01, 2005, 01:29:08 PM
To get the harness and all I would think the easier lateral swap would be a Mustang, TBird,Cougar, Mk7.  Granted one of the Mustang or Lincoln LSC's would be the "nicer" choice as they would be HO....
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Ifixyawata on July 01, 2005, 07:07:59 PM
Quote from: Chuck W
How about just putting an EFI 302 in there?


Wwwwwwwwwhat?!  Did Chuck just say to put a 302 into a car?! I'm glad I quoted it so now he can't go back on his word!
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: 88FoxBird on July 01, 2005, 11:22:49 PM
Getting a carbed engine in an EFI car is actually harder than it seems. Like Chuck said go with EFI 302. Also fuel economy is gonna suck if ya go carbed. Or(I'm gonna sound like Chuck when I say this) you could put a 2.3t in there just to be different. Btw I'm planning on doing this with my Ranger.
Title: Re: 302 boss
Post by: Chuck W on July 02, 2005, 12:21:05 AM
Quote from: Ifixyawata
Wwwwwwwwwhat?!  Did Chuck just say to put a 302 into a car?! I'm glad I quoted it so now he can't go back on his word!


Heh.. I was waiting for that.

I knew this wasn't going to be a case of conversion to the "dark side" and going w/ a 2.3T. I kind of figure if someone is looking to do something "easy", and think a carbed 302 is the way to go....I'll just be wasting my time trying to talk 2.3T with them.

However, I do thing reverting to carb from an EFI car (esp for a daily driver) is a HUGE step backwards...., which is more the point I was trying to make. 

I suppose if I said keep it EFI all would have been good  :giggle:  If it comes to someone asking my opinion on what engine to choose with no prediliction towards one or the other...then yeah..2.3T all the way :hick: