302 Ford oil pickup

302 is in a 36 Ford with Mustang II front end so clearance is no problem. Can I use an oilpan without the indent for the crossmember? My question really is, where is the sump pickup? Is it in the front or rear and would I have to change the length of the sump?

 

I'm using a HP302 in my RPU. I looked for a "straight" no-indent pan but couldn't find one. I used a Pro Form "rear sump" aftermarket pan - but it still has a tie rod notch and a small front sump with two separate drains. The pan came with a rear sump pickup and extension tube. I just don't like the look for that big sump up front.

 

Look for a 'marine' oil pan (check around your local marinas). No notch, uses a standard oil pump but you will need the matching pickup and one special main bearing bolt.

The later marine motors can have a number of unique parts, like a 50oz balance crank pulley with the early three-bolt pattern.

 

How about a Bronco pan? Used when a 289/302 is put in a '49-53 Ford car. I have one, can post pics if you want, and I could be talked into selling it and the matching pickup tube. PM me if interested.

 

With the distributor in the front, the oil pump is also in the front so the sump was originally in front. If you have clearance for the pan, it's easier to leave it in the front. Drag racers had problems with the front sump as the oil wants to move toward the back of the vehicle on launch especially in the days of the high front end cars. Boats had even more of a problem as the bow raises. It also caused problems for circle track racers who like to move the engine as far back and as low as possible for better front to rear balance. In the late 70s, Ford decided that the engines needed to be back further and built the rear sump pan setup.

Because of all of the above, many options for rear sump are out there.

 

That sounds like a load of BS!! I've been running SBFs with front sump pans for 47 years,NO issues!! The picture in my Avitar is my 65 Comet,front sump pan!! The reason the double hump pan came along was to clear the crossmember and steering rack,has nothing to do with getting the sump to the rear for oil control!!!The Ford Vans,Broncos and some trucks had mid sumps,rear sumps,front sumps to clear front differentials and/or crossmembers!!! ROY.