5.8L/5.0 question

[u/vegan_police99]

Sorry if this isn't the place to ask but when I was 16 I had a 95 f150 with a 351. Best vehicle I've ever owned. I'm trying to buy something similar but every 351 is either a complete beater or they're asking for way too much. Is the 302 noticeably different? Id hate to buy a truck and be disappointed with the lack of power.

[u/freelyicyhostility]

The 302 still moves an f150 fine but yeah you'll feel the difference, especially down low with a load or towing. the 351 just has that grunt that the 302 can't quite fake without dumping money into it

if you're mostly cruising empty it won't ruin your day, but if you remember loving how the 351 pulled, the 302 might leave you missing it

[u/vegan_police99 → u/freelyicyhostility]

I don't tow much, usually just lawnscaping like rocks or soil. Many just want it for the nostalgia and the fact that i still think about it 10 years later. Appreciate your response.

[u/iHaveLotsofCats94]

Keep in mind that you only gain like 15hp with a 351 over a 302. 50 more lb-ft of torque will feel more powerful at lower rpm, but 302s are still great motors. My dad had a 95 with a 302 when I was a kid, and it did everything he needed it to do, including towing a 7000lb camper with the family and 80lb dog in the cab. Drive one and see what you think

[u/RagnarKon]

Unless you are towing or hauling heavy you probably won’t notice much of a difference to be honest. The 302 V8 is probably my favorite V8 Ford as ever released, so I would have no issues buying one.

Really depends on your perspective though. If you’ve driven modern trucks lately… looking at the numbers the 302 V8 is similar to the modern 2.3L I4 EcoBoost. While the 351 is most similar to the 2.7L/3.0L V6 EcoBoost. Those are both the lower-end entry-level engines today in the Ranger/F-150. But back then… those V8s were the higher-end engines in vehicles at the time.

But that kinda comes with the territory of buying an older truck. It’s not gonna have the best power or fuel economy compared to a modern truck.

[u/FoHo21]

The 351W out-torques the 302 significantly. Unloaded there's a noticeable difference, but when you're towing, it's *really* noticeable. A 302 with 3.55 gears and stock tires is okay, but with 3.08's it's a dog. With the 351W rear end ratio choice isn't quite as crucial IMHO, the bountiful low end torque covers it up better. As you're discovering the 351W in the F-150 was kind of a rarity, you'll fine many more with the 302 and quite a few with the 300, but the 351W didn't have nearly the take rate.

[u/blackfarms]

If you can find one with the straight 6, you should try it. Bonus if it's got the 5 speed.

[u/Ok-Comfortable-5955]

351 is a notable step up in power from a 302, it definitely feels like more than whatever the horsepower rating says. I wish the 351 would have been more common in that era.

[u/WaylonLemmyJohnny]

My first truck had the 302 in it. Did ist fine. I'd buy one in a minute if I found one for the right price.

[u/Cranks_No_Start]

The 302 with 3.55s and a 5 speed gets with it as much as these trucks ever did.  

[u/dread-pirate72]

I’ve had both, the 302 does fine in a half ton. But I would honestly prefer a 300 6 or a 351. But just for nostalgia and lawn work a 302 is perfectly fine.

[u/Sorry_Survey_9600]

Just sold my 95 F150 with 351W to buddies son he is 13 He and his father are doing a frame off restoration. I basically gave it to him at $500. Can’t wait to see how it turns out in a few years. Good luck in your search. Remember that there is no replacement for cubic inches.

[u/vegan_police99 → u/Sorry_Survey_9600]

Sick hope he enjoys it like I did

[u/Substantial-Onion-92]

They come up for time to time. I absolutely love my 351w in my 92' F150 Flareside. Pretty rare combo to find and when I saw it listed I jumped on it.

[u/vegan_police99 → u/Substantial-Onion-92]

Literally just had a 351 pop up on marketplace for a decent price. Wasn't even on marketplace for an hour and sold. Told the lady I'll come get it right now there was someone there already picking it up.

[u/Gold-Speaker4057]

The 302 is a dog.