302 rebuild

[66dreama]

Hi all
I'm looking for advice and thoughts
I have just got hold of a 302 Windsor
I want to build a good strong engine for daily driving but would like it to have a bit of poke without compromising reliability
I want to do my homework and get some ideas from guys that have already been down the track
What works
What doesn't
What kind if horsepower ( at wheels) can I expect
I will be putting it in either my 66 coupe or my 63 futura
Both are running c 4 trannies at present
I will start with my first biggie
Is it worth doing a stroker ? If yes why
Any info or links would be appreciated
Cheers
Paul

[GLENN 70]

 66dreama ,tell us how much HP you want ,then we can tell you what you have to do .Talk flywheel HP ,or remember you will lose around 100 to  120 hp to your wheels ..Also remember if you want 300 plus you will need to do your c4 auto and t/converter ,exhaust etc .

[66dreama]

hey Glenn
I would like to make around 300 hp
I was hoping a standard converter would cope
what are they good to ?
What are the pro,s cons if I do or dont swap
At present I am running a twin system with a balance tube and tri headers in the mustang
twin system standard manifolds in the futura
The mustang is my daily commuter so if the motor swaps into this car I will spend a bit of time idling in traffic etc
What I dont want to do is wind up with something that is a pain to drive
I hear everyone talking strokers now but Im unsure which way to go
so hoping you guys can help my decision

[GLENN 70]

Dont bother with a stroker .A good 302 will do ,a 570 street advenger holley carb,dual plain intake manifold ,electronic dissy ,HYD cam to suit a std converter ,but i would put a small hi stall in 2000 rpm will be fine ,the trick is the heads thats where you will get your HP gain .300 plus no problems .

[66dreama]

Hey Glenn
I am already running both the the holley street avenger and dual plane manifold on my current motor
Big wrap for both
Also have elec ignition
Age of engine, cam and heads let me down
what sort of heads do you suggest
I have heard Edelbrock  heads are good for 300 plus hp straight out the box
what type of cam and do I need to spec the grind I want
thanks for your input

[Pinto Pete]

there was a set of complete ford racing alloy heads put up for sale on the site a couple of hrs ago by Big Al he wanted $1,400.00 for em they might be to big for a 302..

[GLENN 70]

66dreama go talk to the guys in a performance shop and tell them what HP you want and get them to work out a combo for you .Stay with the parts you have now ,heads well stay with well known brands ,ford racing,edelbrock ,trickflow ,AFR .etc ...Same with cams ,a hyd that will make power to 5500 ,crane,compcams etc . A double row timing gear set and your away .You really need a small hi stall 2000/2300 ,will help at idle and give you more punch off the line .You may have to change the diff gears ,depending what is in there now .3.25 with 15 inch wheels and 3.00 with 14s .

[shaunp]

Best 302 heads are Trickflow or AFR I reckon, Some 165 AFRs will go striaght on, no piston to valve issues, out flow Edlebrock performers GT 40 Ford racing heads etc, fully cnc machined ports & chambers etc. Also have a 58cc chamber so little extra compression.

[66dreama]

Thanks for all this fellas
I will start thinking about which combo to use and yeah I do have some guys at the performance shop (local)l I can talk with I just want to be pretty well sorted first
What about the bottom end is there anything there to do better or should I just rebore and keep stock
Also what are your thoughts on a good dissy
Is the Petronix setup good enough or should I go another road

[GLENN 70]

Your only talking around 320 hp maybe a bit more and 5500 ,5800 revs max . So just a normal rebuild plus balancing and good rod bolts like ARP . Boring can be a problem with such old blocks and you should get it sonic tested . The dissy will be fine ,but you will need to get it set up for better timing settings . Around 12 deg and total timing 34 deg .