Late 302 in a 62 Falcon..what issues?

Hi new here we just bought a 62 Falcon with a 144ci six in it. I was looking at motors to replace it with and came across late Explorers up to about 2001 had 302s in them. Would this be a decent option to put in the car? I plan on also putting a C4 in at the same time.

What are some issues I will have? Can I use the 289/302 style mounts on the newer roller 302 motor? I was planning on taking the FI off and going with a Performer intake and carb, any problems with that?

Any ideas or suggestions will be much appreciated! Trying to make a reliable driver on the cheap!

EDIT: Do the newer 302 motors have a place for a mechanical fuel pump?

Thanks,
Frank

All of the small blocks are basically the same in physical configuration. You will have to change the timing cover on a efi motor if you want a mechanical fuel pump.
The older pre 80's small blocks are 28oz inbalance. Sometime in the early 80's the went to 50 oz so keep that in mine.

I am about to do the same and from what I have learned on here the drivers side exhaust manifold might have some clearance issues. I think I remember reading about the 260 manifold being needed unless you use an after market shorty header.

The 96-01 Explorer engine would be a great choice, since theyre not hard to come by and make great power. They have far better heads than the doo-doo e7te heads that came on the Mustangs, but have a slightly smaller cam. You will need to change the front cover and water pump for one with a fuel pump boss and clockwise waterpump. Dont forget to add the eccentric to the cam too if you want a mechanical fuel pump. Youll have to change the oil pan and pump pickup also. Since the Explorer switched to a coil pack ignition at some point, youll need a distributor. Ive heard people say the easiest way to go is to get one for an 85 Mustang, since that was the only year that had a carburetor and roller cam. As for exhaust, that depends what specific heads are on the engine. If it has the early gt40 heads, youll be fine with whatever you want. If it has the more common gt40"P" heads, youre exhaust choices will be considerably more restricted. You may be able to get a set of 65 Mustang hi-po manifolds which are being reproduced. Another option is to get a left side manifold from a 75 era Granada or Maverick and a right side manifold from a 69/70 Mustang. Another option, depending how good you are with fabrication, is to get a set of cheapy Hedman 88400's, and cut/weld the offending tubing. Most likely only 2 or 3 cylinders will need work. Having said all that, I would make sure the suspension and driveline have been converted to v8/5 lug stuff first. The 6 cyl stuff barely passed muster even when it was new.

Thanks for all the tips and info! I really appreciate it, I have historically only had old Chevys, but I am not brand partial.

So far the plan is to get a 2000 or 2001 Explorer engine with the GT40P heads (excited for aluminum heads). Do you think a Performer RPM manifold will fit under the hood? If not I can go with a plane Performer manifold. My thoughts on a cam were something like an E303, just something with some lope and power up to 5500rpm or so, just want it to run like an old hotrod. 600cfm 4160 carb and the Autozone 85 Mustang distributor (thanks for the tip on that)

Would you go with an AOD or C4 trans? You think either of those would bolt up to the Explorer engine and fit under the car with no trans tunnel cutting? I'll have to get a driveshaft made.

Any heavier duty rear ends bolt in or at least the same width or narrower? I dont want to spend too much there but realize it is always the place where the most money ends up other than the engine! I just put Strange axles, cclip eliminators, spool and new Motive r&p in a GM 8.5" rear and it was $1k just for those parts!

Performer RPM will fit fine, or at least it does on the 64/5 cars. An E cam would be kind of a waste on stock P heads, but itll give you the lope youre after. With some porting the P heads flow decent and will save you a bunch of money over the aluminum heads. Either trans will fit, but the AOD may take a couple whacks of the 5lb install kit, or it may not. I know its tight, but certainly doable. The only rear end that will bolt in to the round body cars is the Maverick 8". In about 72 they upgraded the center section with cross ribs and slightly stronger axles. Even if you do get aluminum heads and a bigger cam, I wouldnt worry about breaking the rear end, especially with an automatic.

Originally Posted by decurion

The only rear end that will bolt in to the round body cars is the Maverick 8". In about 72 they upgraded the center section with cross ribs and slightly stronger axles. Even if you do get aluminum heads and a bigger cam, I wouldnt worry about breaking the rear end, especially with an automatic.

Although the Maverick is easier to find, the '63 Falcon 8 inch is a direct bolt in (and 1/2 inch skinnier). I used the third member from a 67 mustang (390 4 speed).

That is great news on the rears. I'll start looking for a Falcon or Maverick rear, the width doesnt matter too much we are keeping skinny wheels and tires on it. I got a 2000 Explorer engine today and ordered the E303 cam.
I was looking at distributors at Autozone for the 85 Mustang and they have a cast iron gear and steel gear model. Which will I need with the E303 cam?

Also if I use an electric fuel pump can I just use the serpentine setup and stock water pump from the 2000 Explorer engine, any issues doing that? That would save me the cost of a new setup, I'd just have to go with an electric fuel pump, shouldnt be a big deal.

Thanks for all the input!

One interesting tidbit of information I came across is it is cheaper to as cheap to buy a new Mallory HEI style distributor than the Autozone or Oreilley remanufactured one. The reman one is about $100 (I dont have the $30 core to trade back in) and comes with no cap or rotor. Figure another $20 for cap and rotor, then $20 coil, then $50 for module the $180 Mallory that comes complete for $180 looks good. I am going to return the reman and order up the Mallory. Only problem is it is probably made in China unfortunately.

Pictures of the progress so far!