which engine is better? i was looking to buy a 302 5.0L engine but then imbalance and later model flywheels are different sized and drilled differently became a problem and seems to be overwheling. the engine is comming out of a 1990 mustang LX with HO. EFI fuel injection but imma make it into a carb anyways. so does it really matter if i go with a 302 or a 302 5.0L?

 

the later model "5.0" will have a one piece rear main seal (lasts ALOT longer) and a roller cam along with E7TE heads which are probably the best stock 302 heads around with the exception of the gt-40's

just use the newer balancer and flywheel and your good to go. it'd be good to use your old timing cover and make sure the fuel pump eccentric was on the end of the cam gear so your mechanical fuel pump has something to make it work =P

 

You can balance the new 5.0L to use the 28oz off balance. Just use the right balancer and flywheel.

You'll need to be alert to the distributor gar you'll need with that roller cam. Any dizzy for the 302 will fit the 5.0L as long as you have the right drive gear.

Aside from the valvetrain, balance,and rear main seal, a 302 is a 5.0L is a 302.

 

u can use the vintage rotating assembly 28oz by machining the lip off the crank(the vintage crank is stronger) and keep the roller cam to boot

 

almost forgot about the dizzy..... the old and new ones will plop right in (the gears are the same size) but the roller cam is harder and will chew up a older style dizzy gear QUICK

 

Um... a billet roller cam will chew up distributor gears, but Ford didnt have billet steel gears, they had iron gears on the factory roller cams, same with the 303 series Ford cams.. Iron gear so you dont need a brass gear on the distributor. A factory one will do the job. Now the roller cam in my 467 Pontiac doesnt have an iron gear on it, its cut entirely from billet steel and it will chew up a stock gear in a hurry. I run a composite gear on it instead.

The balance only affects the flexplate/flywheel and the front balancer, no need to change it to the old style, since 5.0L stuff is available and relatively cheap. Just swap the oil pan/pickup and front cover unless you are running an electric fuel pump. There are a few small things to consider, but the shortblocks will interchange pretty easily.

 

really?????? i knew GM's would chew em so i always assumed the ford cams are the same

 

So Quang, what did you decide to do? Go with the 5.0 or hold out for an early model?

 

i havent made my decision yet, school jus started so i been busy with that but i have this weekend free so imma do some more research. i like a little bit of both worlds, this is a really hard decision.