Thread: 302 HO Rebuild suggestions?

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I recently purchased a 302 HO that was originally in an '89 mustang to replace the stock 289 in my '66 ranchero. It also is basically stock but now i have the opportunity to build it anyway I want before i drop it in. Im looking to get as much power out of it as i can for the cheapest amount of money. Any Suggestions?

Cam and Heads. As with any small block, the 5.0s are built to rev at higher RPMs. As such, breathing is more of a concern then with a Big Block. If your going Carb with it, a good intake is essential. If your staying with the stock Multiport, i would reccomend a programming chips. Also, in either case, back the entire system with a good high-flow muffler system.

Hey Rebel, try a 347 Stroker Kit, on top of that put the Edelbrock RPM package including aluminum heads and intake, then the cam and carb that is recommended by Edelbrock for the package. Fire it with an MSD distributor and ignition. Works fine, lasts a long time. Makes great power on the street. How's the Ranchero coming, got any recent pics???

I dont have ne pics yet but i will try to get them if i can, but the car itself is coming along pretty good... brand new transmission and now im sticking in this newer engine. How much horsepower can i expect stock from this engine with a carb?

Most of the EFI mustang engines have little to no bore wear so you can probably have a machine shop check it out. I Would spend the money on heads, cam and intake. you will get a lot of bang for the buck that way. Re ring and install bearings arp rod bolts, and a set of AFR 165 heads, custom cam, a quality carb, victor jr, or air gap good igntion and go kick some but. Most people stroke these motors and I don't because I'd rather spend my money on air flow. Strokers run good but they are expensive. Your can build 400hp at the crank for little money without stroking. If you blow it up then stroke it.

Later Just my Opinion

DRG84 nailed it on the "breathing" issue. And Dennis is right-on too. I have heard of 100K mile 302's with little or no ridge on the cylinder walls...I myself would have them checked just to make sure. The overall build can be of many ways- it just depends on what you want to do.

This is of course only my opinion, but I would not even consider rebuilding an engine without checking the block, crank, heads, etc. Budget for going .030" over on the sleeves, and .010" under on the crank (rods and mains). If you find everything within spec, spend the cash on something else.

I believe a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so I myself try to focus on the block, rods, crank, and pistons. Also, while there, drop the $30 for a new oil pump. Although some people say high volume pumps "starve" the lower end at high RPM's, I have never had a problem, and have ran only 5 qt. oil pans. To me, the added pressure showing on the oil pressure guage is good insurance. A new timing chain is also a must...to me anyway. Keep in mind that this is only my opinion, but you will not regret it.

Although easier on an engine stand, intake, heads, cam, and headers can be installed with the engine in the car. The important thing is matching the components for what you expect of the engine. This might also be my opinion, but I think the one thing that requires attention on Ford SB's is the heads. Start with the block and heads, and build everything else around it. You will have a strong running 302 that will run for a long time.

Good luck, and I too would like to see some pics of the Ranchero.

Greg

ok now I'm gonna just set myself up for a flame, but how about instead of going with an edelbrock carb, go with a holley? i mean yeah metering valves are great.... if you're lazy.... but with a holley you will get more potential out of your engine as would most mechanics say

How much horsepower do you think the block will be pumping stock without fuel injection and with a 4 barrel edelbrock carburetor??

Not much over stock. Actually, you may take a slight loss. EfI fires directly into the cylinders and does not allow for any pooling of fuel. As such, it is a more efficent burn. With the carb and intake, there is a less direct fuel delivery, and the fuel is already heated. Unless you plan to modify beyond the intake and carb, you may want to just leave it EFI. Unless you plan to make it an all retro engine.