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Engine 1988 and 1997 302, whats interchangeable?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 88streetstang
  • Start date Start date Jan 10, 2021
8

88streetstang

New Member
Jan 10, 2021
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Greenville, GA
Jan 10, 2021
#1
  • Jan 10, 2021
  • #1
I have a 1988 mustang with a mostly stock 302 and I am getting a 1997 302 that is completely stock as far as I know for free from a buddy. I was wondering what, if anything is interchangeable? Haven't been in the fox body scene for long and just really got into cars a few years ago so any info is helpful. Thanks!
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
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polk county florida
Jan 10, 2021
#2
  • Jan 10, 2021
  • #2
Basically the block is the same, everything from the 88 will bolt on, that said, what vehicle did it come out of?
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,251
17,937
224
Massachusetts
Jan 11, 2021
#3
  • Jan 11, 2021
  • #3
Likely Explorer/mountaineer as they are the only Ford that got a 302 after 1995 here in the US.

The entire engine is usable, but it needs to be "fox-bodified". There are subtle differences that keep it from being dropped right into a Fox, like the oil pan shape, and the accessories, but if you strip it down to a long block, you can start swapping all your Fox-specific engine parts over to it, and even use the upper and lower intake and throttle body with some modifications.

You'll want to ditch the cam though. Low-RPM torque cam for a heavy truck.

Explorer engine swaps have been popular for quite some time, as they are one of the last easy sources of 302 engines right now. That will dry up one day.
 
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