Trying to understand the sequence of engine and tranny swap

[guidoverduci]

Hi-

I'm in the early stages of research. But I'm wondering if I want to take a stock 302 3 speed colum shift and end up with an 5.0 efi auto, do I have to do it all at once? Can I do the transmission swap, then down the road swap the engine? I guess what I'm looking for is the easiest solution that is the most cost effective. Should I be looking for the engine / tranny combo out of the same junkyard vehicle or can I get one, then the other? Sorry for the total newbie question. Thanks!

 

[12-Pack Jeff]

It can be done once, all together, either one first... all depends on how much money and time you've got. You didnt mention where you live, but in the For Sale Parts section somebody just listed an already EFI'd engine and auto trans for 1400 in Folsom, Ca

12-Pack
Jeff

 

[guidoverduci]

I'll check it out, that's close. Thanks!

 

[360 4V]

Great question! You can do either or and it would be a good investment. The stock 302 left some to be desired. It was carburated. If your engine is healthy and has a stock or near stock camshaft you could swap the EFI in. I have $244 into my EFI swap. I have everything but sensors, fuel injectors and fuel pump.

Now about your transmission swap. Why do want a transmission swap? The stock 3-speed leaves some to be desired. The gears spread is very wide and for many it does not offer low enough gearing as well as high enough gearing. It is pretty inexpsensive to re-build.

My first choice for transmission swaps would be stock Ford transmissions that came beind small block Fords. This ill save money by not buying adapters.

You could get a ZF-5-speed. It came stock behind small block Fords so it will just bolt in to your small block Ford.