Will a 351 distriputor fit a 302

[leftystar]

I bought one off off ebay thinking i was gonna to rebuild a 351 but i have change my mine to rebuild a 302 little bit cheaper and alot more in the junk yards

[Tiggie]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I'm pretty sure it won't.

[Lincolnmania]

it wont fit mang, you need a dizzy for a 302..... lost a 351c once cause dumbass at the parts store gave me a dist for a 351w

[FordInPossession]

It won't work. The block heights are different between the 351 and 302. You can, however, use a 302 cam in a 351 (More options available for the 302) by simply switching the firing order to that of a 302 That's what I did in my 73 Gran Torino.

[gadget73]

Oil pump drive shaft is different size between a 302 and 351 as well.

Yes, the cams switch, but you'll end up beating up the bearings faster, just like a lopo does. The 351 firing order is a bit friendlier on the bottom end.

[Mercracer]

It won't work. The block heights are different between the 351 and 302.

The block dimensions are identical in relation to the distributor. The deck height varies above the distributor mounting surface. The differences are the driven gear on the distributor and the distributor shaft diameter bacause of the oil pump shaft diameter being larger on the 351.

Yes, the cams switch, but you'll end up beating up the bearings faster, just like a lopo does. The 351 firing order is a bit friendlier on the bottom end.

Although that was the reason Ford changed the firing order for the 351W, you will not personally see any difference. LoPo firing order engines easily go over 200,000 miles with decent bearings as do HO/351W motors. Driving conditions and maintenance/oil selection is what makes the difference.

[gadget73]

lots of maintained lopo motors have bearing noise by 150k though, and lots of not so well cared for HO motors are still quiet at the same mileage. It probably doesn't make a big difference in the short term but when you're pushing 200k and the motor is making noise, one might regret not using a camshaft that had the other firing order. I'm also a bit silly like that, I want to build things that last forever. I want to die before it wears out again.

[Mercracer]

lots of maintained lopo motors have bearing noise by 150k though, and lots of not so well cared for HO motors are still quiet at the same mileage. It probably doesn't make a big difference in the short term but when you're pushing 200k and the motor is making noise, one might regret not using a camshaft that had the other firing order. I'm also a bit silly like that, I want to build things that last forever. I want to die before it wears out again.

The camshaft selection is far better with the HO/5.8 firing order. THAT is the most compelling reason to switch. If it also helps you sleep better snugged in at night, then it is a bonus...
You may wish to note that Ford didn't think that it was an issue with 302 cubes. They ran the 289 firing order on all grocery getters and even heavy duty pulling trucks until 1994.

[gadget73]

Ford also is in the business to sell cars. Things aren't made to last forever, just long enough to convince you to buy a new one.

[Mercracer]

Ford also is in the business to sell cars. Things aren't made to last forever, just long enough to convince you to buy a new one.

If Ford were as evil as you are dreaming that they are, they would have never bothered to switch the 351 firing order. They obviously make changes based on a reliability concern as they do not wish to have warranty claims and they know that bad word of mouth will trump their positive advertising.
The 302 doesn't need the modified firing order but you can do whatever makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

[gadget73]

I never said they were evil, but in all honesty, as far as they are concerned, having an engine last into the 100-200k mile range is more than sufficient. Why make changes to a 150k mile engine to last another 50-70k? Usually by the time the motor is about done for, the rest of the vehicle is too, so there isn't any point. Generally speaking, trucks work a lot harder, therefore it benefits them to change the firing order so the motor holds up better. Same with the high performance engines.

Also, you do realize I'm not really disagreeing with you here? Its a minor benefit to the 351 firing order that its a little friendlier, but thats it, little bit better. Nothing earth shattering, but dollar for dollar, if I personally had the choice between camshafts with identical specs, but one used the old 289 firing order and the other used a 351 firing order, I'd go with the 351 for that little extra benefit. That was my entire point in mentioning the bit about the bearings, that if you're going to pick a cam, you might as well get one thats a bit nicer to your lower end.