Well, a Navy shipmate of mine Tom Johnson (an outstanding mechanic) had put a Ford 289 in a 1949 Dodge pickup, so I knew a 302 would fit in my 1952. The little Ford has a lot of swapping advantages. The front sump oil pan clears my straight axle with ease. The exhaust manifolds and starter clear my steering box and frame with room to spare. The Ford 302 is light at only about 460 pounds with an aluminum intake manifold. Ninety pounds lighter than a small block Chevy. Almost 190 pounds lighter than the original Dodge flathead. Weight is an important consideration when you're running manual steering, stock springs and 70 series wide ovals. Ford rebuild and performance parts cost on average more than Chevy parts, but much less than the equivalent Dodge parts. Small Ford V8s are simple and reliable engines. I have so much clearance it's easy to work on or service most any part. Everything is accessible. Small Fords also sound really nice through dual exhausts. Last but not least, I went from 95 stock horsepower to around 250 horsepower. Torque increased from 190 to 300 ft-lbs. The original bed was completely trashed. I'm making a flatbed for him right now. I call my hybrid a Fordge or a Dord.That's a nice looking Dodge you have there ! Though I would have used a 318cid engine instead. Let's keep a Dodge a Dodge.
What happened to the bed though ?