Question about Engine fit

[eglide78]

I have a 1964 C10 and just got a line on a 1988 302 Engine and Transmission out of a camaro... decent price but how much of a headache would this be?

I am brand new on this site so if I am asking something that could be found elsewhere, let me know.

Thanks,
Alan

[jayoldschool]

That "302" will be a 305. Either the weak TBI or the slightly less weak TPI. Better engines out there, keep looking.

[eglide78]

Thanks. That's the kind of stuff I need to hear.
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[markeb01]

Welcome to the forum!

[scottofksu]

I too am weighing engine options... Seems like any post 86 truck 350 - up to and including the Vortec engines - are the "way to go", at least for me. There are TONS of these engines in every U-Pull-It I go to, so they are readily available. These engines are also known for minimal bore degradation (I've heard this is due to improvements in the FI system but cannot verify). As a result, I've seen more than one "refreshed" by simply changing the rings, bearings, and gaskets. Lastly, this block design allows for the use of a roller cam, which leaves plenty of power potential for the future. Granted, this is probably the most boring engine to use in a truck, but I am more interested in function over form... To each their own, and good luck!

[tincan1966]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

That "302" will be a 305. Either the weak TBI or the slightly less weak TPI. Better engines out there, keep looking.

I have a '91 305 with TBI in my '65 daily driver. No, it's not a 300HP engine, BUT with the OD trans and a 3.08 rear gear I get about 18-19 miles per gallon with normal driving. I retained the fuel injection setup.

These engines are not that bad, infact the heads are used alot on performance engine, because of some good flow characteristics and smaller combustion chambers.

The later 305's are not as failure prone as the earlier ones. Mine's got 240K on it with no major internal repairs, just basic maintenance.

[Clyde65]

Alan, I would pick up a 4.8 and a 4l60e for your truck, those are much better motors and you can usually snatch them up under $1k with trans and engine, under 80K. they will run great past 200k miles as long as you take care of them and you will improve you mileage and in turn have a more reliable and fun truck. just my .02 but im also biased!

[eglide78]

That "302" will be a 305

I seem to learn something new every day. I always thought the 302 was a Ford specific but apparently:
"The 302 engine was only available in first-generation Z-28s (the 350 LT-1 was used in 2nd generation Z-28s), and was created in response to a Trans Am racing engine displacement limitation at that time of 5 liters (305ci). The 302 was created by installing a short-stroke 283ci engine crankshaft in a 327ci block, resulting in 302ci displacement."

When I was originally told it was a 302 I said it was a Ford... Then I was enlightened.

Overall I am looking for function over speed and I am soooo new in the whole process.

Lots of AMAZING builds on here... I strive to be worthy...

[63burban]

I have a 305 (rv cam, Edelbrock carb otherwise stock) and 700r4 from a 86 Camaro in my 56 Chevy Belair, with 3:55 rear end it goes really good, 22mpg

[waspp]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

I have a '91 305 with TBI in my '65 daily driver. No, it's not a 300HP engine, BUT with the OD trans and a 3.08 rear gear I get about 18-19 miles per gallon with normal driving. I retained the fuel injection setup.

These engines are not that bad, infact the heads are used alot on performance engine, because of some good flow characteristics and smaller combustion chambers.

The later 305's are not as failure prone as the earlier ones. Mine's got 240K on it with no major internal repairs, just basic maintenance.

IMO this is one of the best ways to go for a truck that is going to be driver regularly. Those TBI are simple and reliable and 18-19 mpg is great for thee old trucks!

[jayoldschool]

I agree, however, for the same price, and same labour, you can put in a TBI 350 that has more power, and will get the same mileage. Also, if you choose one from a car (Caprice, Roadmaster/Fleetwood, 91-93), you get a roller camshaft, while the trucks got the flat tappet cam. A good consideration in these days of reduced ZDDP additives in oil.

[scottofksu]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

I agree, however, for the same price, and same labour, you can put in a TBI 350 that has more power, and will get the same mileage. Also, if you choose one from a car (Caprice, Roadmaster/Fleetwood, 91-93), you get a roller camshaft, while the trucks got the flat tappet cam. A good consideration in these days of reduced ZDDP additives in oil.

Wasn't the roller cam only available in the L05 offered in the Police Package? Otherwise, I thought the L05 used in the cars you mentioned was identical to the one found in the truck... You learn something new everyday (or multiple things as is typically the case for me)!

[tincan1966]

My 305 came out of a 1991 Olds Custom Cruiser wagon-same as a Roadmaster wagon, etc. It is not a roller cam motor, I don't believe.

[jayoldschool]

The cars got roller cams, the trucks didn't. Not just the 9C1 option (police) L05. Interestingly, that cam is the exact spec cam used in the L98 F/Y (Camaro/Corvette) TPI engine. A stock LT1 cam (from a Caprice/Roadmaster/Fleetwood), while small, is still a great upgrade for an L05 engine. Designed for low RPM torque. Slides right in, and most LT1 guys will give them away.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by eglide78

That "302" will be a 305

I seem to learn something new every day. I always thought the 302 was a Ford specific but apparently:
"The 302 engine was only available in first-generation Z-28s (the 350 LT-1 was used in 2nd generation Z-28s), and was created in response to a Trans Am racing engine displacement limitation at that time of 5 liters (305ci). The 302 was created by installing a short-stroke 283ci engine crankshaft in a 327ci block, resulting in 302ci displacement."
...

Actually, we 'older' hot rodders had already done GM's testing on the 302's--we'd been boring the 283's by 0.125" for years. The resulting 4" bore made the same specs GM used, as u said around '68-'69 on the Z-28's. We always referred to our high-revving, bored-to-max 283 as a "301". GM didn't wanna give us credit, so they "rounded" their math up 1 more cubic inch. BTW: our built "301"s would run right with a hopped up 327 in the early sixties--balanced(few of us, including me, could afford it)properly, they'd peg lots of tachs--as so many sold by KMart only went to 6, 7, or 8K; and run out of numbers on the 55-57 Chevy speedos. Oh! Yes, some tended to run quite warm, as the cyl-wall-thickness remaining was quite minimal.
Sam

[61_FL_Apache]

I have no issues or complaints with my 305. If the price is right, go for it!

[72bowtiestepper]

Have you considered a brand new crate motor ? Jegs has a basic 350 with free shipping for about $1500,

[63burban]

Yup, 301s and 331s rule man !

[awbrown]

I have a 1991 350 in my "63 ..I love the serpentine belt and the fact that now I have power steering and a mount for the AC... bolts in no problem....