There is all kinds of room because the 302 is smaller. A matter of mounts mainly. Possible driveshaft mod. Problem is that the 302 has less torque than the 272. I would go with a 292 or 312. Works better with a car as heavy as yours. 302 is great in a light car like a Mustang.

Go to the Ford Nationals in Carlise, PA .you will see 10 to 15 y-block Fords that have been repowered with later model engines  for sale. In most cases the asking price will be less than the cost of doing it yourself.

Hey guys I have an opportunity to get my hands on a 1982 302 engine with complete drive train, my question is how big of a job would it be to replace my 272 y-block and drive train , what kind of major hurdles would I be looking  AT TO MAKE THE REPLACEMENT and or would it be worth it, the 302 is in a Mercury and has 32 k miles on it.
Comment appreciated.

Motor mounts would be one, might need to do something with the trans mount, and drive shaft, change to 12v. Might have to change to a front sump pan,  but a few weeks ago I saw a 351 w in a 56, looked like there was plenty of room.

I think you'll find lots of info on that swap either at the Ford Barn or the HAMB. Unless your 272 is really tired, or the 302 is a hp version, I doubt you'll see any increase in performance.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

You certainly asking the wrong group this question.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I dunno but anything except a Y-block looks out of place in a 8th or 9th gen full sized Ford.


~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles

this is the "y blocks forever" site lol... most of us here and going to be telling you to keep your Y block.
However, we can certainly understand the idea --- replacing/rebuilding a Y block can be a real expensive task depending on the expertise (or lack thereof) of your machinist, what parts you need, etc. The 1952-59 Ford Hamb Social Group has quite a few guys that are more knowledgeable and have done the swap successfully. I would suggest you post this same question there.
Whatever you do, promise us you won't go with "scrub" !!!


Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Unless you just need a drivetrain to get the car on the road and the 1982 302 is the only option, don't bother with it.  302 were dogs until the roller cam, fuel injected versions came out in the mid 80s (1985, I think).  At best that swap will be a step sideways, but most likely a step back from what you have.  Sure, you can modify a 302 easily but the cost of the swap plus the modifications probably won't be worth it and can be better spent on getting that 272 running a little better.

You will have motor mounts, transmission mounts, drive shaft, plumbing for fuel and coolant hoses, throttle linkage, transmission actuation (shifting, kickdown, maybe clutch), wiring and several other things that you never think about until you're doing it to take care of.  That's a lot of work (or money if you have to pay someone) for a step sideways at best. 



Lawrenceville, GA

I would think you could freshen up your 272 for less money?Certainly less trouble.