Local legend has it that there are two different ford 302's produced around 1980, an oily 302 which had gasket issues and a "non-oily" version that wasn't so reliable. The oily version supposedly is better (lasts longer) than the non-oily ones if you tore them down and replaced all the gaskets.

I do know that a 1982 Ford F-100 has the non-oily 302. (mine did) I think that 1982 is the last year for the f-100's. Some of these F-100's had non-oily engines that in this area in these conditions, were notorious to start knocking around 60,000 miles.

The oily 302's could be anywhere from 1975 (or earlier) to 1984 or 85. Local legend has it that in 1986 the pickups were using mustang engines.

Ok, I'm not an automotive expert. This "Local legend" has me wondering. I have meddled in some automotive handy-work but consider myself more of an enthusiast.

Is there anything to this Oily vs Not-oily 302 thing? You know, one being "better" than the other?