To fix what I have, or swap in some HP
 

My 1985 4x4 Pickup recently blew the head gasket. I didn't realize that it was out until I went to do an oil change and found water in the oil, and the radiator a gallon low on coolant. Don't know how much damage the engine might have, but it was running good (slight cold idle issue) when I drove it into the shop for its usual post-hunting season oil change.


Right now, I've got the parts list picked out to replace the head gasket, timing chain, oil pump, vacuum lines, and hunt down and repair an oil leak while I'm working on the truck. (Comes to around $400) but have no idea if I'll run into some more issues from running for an unknown amount of time with water in the oil, so it could get more expensive.


I have a buddy that has recently swapped a MAF 302 into his Early Bronco, and he figures we could swap one into my truck for ~$1000. I figure closer to ~$1600.


Truck will be down until I can afford parts either way. Its not a daily driver, and I only "have" to have it during hunting season. My diesel will handle DD duties for now if need be. Just wanted some opinions from the wonderful folks here at yotatech as to what would be the best option, maybe some pros and cons of the swap.


Truck is only used for hunting, mudding, trail riding, and the occasional drive to work. Have no Smog laws here in FL. Would love some more Horsepower, but don't really need it for what I do with the truck, it would just be done for the heck of it really.


Any and all opinions welcome.

Too bad about HG.

With what you described happening I'll bet you'll have engine bearing issues down the road if you just redo head and timing.

I think you numbers for a 302 swap is low. Especially with the price of adaptors. With the added weight of a 302 if front springs are tired your looking at front end resting on axle. All depends on your fab skills, tools, and facilities.

Fab skills are basically none (gonna be relying on buddies for help), tools are minimal at the moment, but I do have a really nice shop lol. I would really like to do a 3RZ or 3.4 swap, but dread the wiring nightmare that would come with it.


Found an adapter to hook the 302 to my existing transmission at northwestoffroad.com, but can't find a price online. And I'd be using a JY motor.


I'm sure my numbers are low, but I don't see putting a new 22re in or rebuilding it being real cheap either.

Wiring a fuel injected engine is not as hard as most people make it out to be. As long as you have the wiring diagrams your good.
My vote goes to more power. I just posted all my stuff for sale and now I'm wondering if I'll regret selling it.

Did you check out advance adaptors? NWOR has had a not so good reputation, so research prior to ordering from them. I think they've changed management now so may be different.

I did check Advance Adapters, and they don't seem to have an adapter to make a 302 work with a toyota transmission. I'd have to use a Ford transmission.

Thought I'd seen one but apparently not.

I couldn't find it. Found one to make a toyota tcase work, but not a trans

I would rebuild what you have. Engine swaps do not always go according to plan or budget. I just had a head overhauled ~$600 with gaskets. So if you pull the engine and do bearing at the same time you should be in for less than a grand. The advantage is you know it all works and nothing needs to be invented.

If you swap to a V8 prolly at minimum gonna want to swap the W56 to a R150/151 tranny if you find an adaptor for 302 to toy tranny. T-case will prolly hold up if light on skinny pedal but converting to a 23 spline in put and out put.

MAF 302, I take it that's a newer 302 with fuel injection?

If it's basically a hunting rig then I say the more basic the better. I'd be looking at a carbureted 302 Windsor, maybe even a points distributor. I'd stay away from the Ford C4 transmissions, they're junk.

Yeah it would be a Mass-Air-Flow fuel injected 302. I don't want an auto in it, whatever I decide.

Right now, I think I'm gonna fix the 22re and start collecting parts and saving money to do the V8 swap later.

I was originally going to try a carbed 302, but with my friend's help I don't think it would be too bad to go with the MAF 302 and have a little more HP and MPG.

Sounds like a solid plan