Year matters if you want a drop in replacement. Besides whatmustanglover 66 mentioned about the imbalance, you have to consider what side the water pump inlet is on (driver's side or passenger's side), does it have a front sump or rear sump oil pan and pickup, how about the pulley system, etc. All of these things mentioned are easy fixes, but still something to consider when looking at late model 302's.

 

okay. i think i will look for an earlier model then. Less leg work the better.

 

You might also consider that the later 5.0 are equipped with roller cams,,,,

The earlier blocks can be "retro fit" with a roller, but a few $ are involved.....

So, if I were looking to put a 5.0 or 302 ina Mustang, I might want to get a roller engine, and replace the oil pan and oil pick-up instead of going with a early engine. The intake manifold from a FI engine would need to be changed, but chances are I would not run a stock intake anyway, so the cost of this is moot....

But then again,,,,, it looks like I used a 1970 351 block for our project and used a retrofit kit.....

Possibly a case of do as I say, not as I do?

 

Why are roller cams better?

 

Roller cams allow better (more aggressive) cam profiles, the valves can be made to open quicker as there are fewer limits on how fast a lifter can "ramp up" on the cam. A roller can can provide advantages such as allowing an engine to operate athigher RPMs, while maintaining good lowRPM characteristics.

Also there are less issues with cam and lifter wear, especially at break in.

All in all, a flat tappet cam is ok though!!!