I'm done restoring my original 302 out of a 76. Help!!!

I pulled the engine out of my 76 lubr and I am just tired of trying separate the block from the heads and manifold. Everything is breaking, and the bolts are just stuck beyond imagine. If I had maybe 3 months to waste on just breaking down the motor, I might be able to finish. Needless to say, I'm going to trade this motor in on a rebuilt motor at City Motor Supply in Dallas, Texas and save me the frustration.

So, here is my dilemna................what engine do I get? First, I'm not interested in cutting the hood, so I guess a 351W is out of the question. I'm currently sitting on a 1" body lift on 31x10.5x15s. I'm basically making this bad boy a street crawler with light camping. After what I have been through just doing a sheet metal swap, I'm NOT going to damage the body. I'm just at that point where I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, and I think I'm ready for easy peasy. I'm keeping the original C4 transmission and I am looking for something that won't need a huge amount of mods. I want to basically bolt it up to my C4 and VROOOOOM. A buddy of mine says to stay flat tappet for the lower RPM benefit. Oh, I am staying carbuerated so full disclosure. Which should I purchase? Thank you sooooo much in advance.

Here are my choices from City Motor supply:
Guide:
CUBIC INCH
LITRE
YEAR
CYL.
BORE
PARTNO.

302
5
68-74
V-8
4
7812

302
5
75-79
V-8
4
3/8 Auxiliary Bolt Hole - Right Front Pad on Block"
7814

302
5
79
V-8
4
E.E.C. Sensor Rear of Block
7815

302
5
75-81
V-8
4
Heavy Crank - Dip in Block
7816

302
5
81-86
V-8
4
2MAE Light Crank - Dip in Block or Oil Pan
7826

302
5
82-85
V-8
4
H.O. - Flat Tappets
7827

302
5
85-91
V-8
4
E.F.I. - Roller Tappets
7828

302
5
85-86
V-8
4
H.O. - Roller Tappets
7829



302
5
81-88
V-8
4
E.F.I. -Hydraulic - Flat Tappets w/ Knock Sensor
7880
302
5
85-91
V-8
4
E.F.I. - Roller - w/ Knock Sensor 15426378 Firing Order
7882
302
5
87-00
V-8
4
H.O. - Roller Tappets - w/ 13726548 (351) Firing Order
788

I would go with the last one listed. HO motors are a great step up from stock. Roller tappets will increase longevity.

englewoodcowboy said:

I would go with the last one listed. HO motors are a great step up from stock. Roller tappets will increase longevity.

Click to expand...

I'm looking for the most direct swap. I want to stay carburated and reuse as much as possible from my original engine. The sheet metal basically killed my budget. My wife is giving me that evil eye.

Is this the one?
302
5
87-00
V-8
4
H.O. - Roller Tappets - w/ 13726548 (351) Firing Order
788

I don't want ANY smog crap or computers of any kind. I like the look of just straight motor.

In CA 1976 and '77 Broncos still need to pass smog. If you don't have to worry about that in Texas, any of those engines will work with a carb manifold and carburetor on it. The newer ones will not have the threaded hole in the block for the clutch linkage. Really doesn't apply to you though since you're running the C4. All of the listed engines are 302s. If the new engine you are buying comes with a cam, you just need to hook the plug wires up correctly for the firing order. You will also need to match the distributor gear with the cam. Mis-matching the materials will chew one or both of the gears up.

TexasDude said:

I'm looking for the most direct swap. I want to stay carburated and reuse as much as possible from my original engine. The sheet metal basically killed my budget. My wife is giving me that evil eye.

Is this the one?
302
5
87-00
V-8
4
H.O. - Roller Tappets - w/ 13726548 (351) Firing Order
788

I don't want ANY smog crap or computers of any kind. I like the look of just straight motor.

Click to expand...

In that case go get a used Explorer Motor, throw a carb on it.

TexasDude said:

. A buddy of mine says to stay flat tappet for the lower RPM benefit.

Click to expand...

That does not make any sense.
Because a roller cam opens and closes the valves much quicker than a flat tappet cam it fills the cylinders better and emptys the cylinders better all RPM.

Due to the EPA newer engine oils have had the additives that keep a flat tappet cam from wearing out removed, the usual oil off the shelf will not have it, you will need to look for it.

There is zero reason to do a flat tappet over a roller tappet unless you are going for pure nostalgia.