high performance 302?
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high performance 302?
So, in my truck, a 92 f150 ext. cab with a 302 and an E4OD I want to build it up. But not sure where i want to go. as I was looking things up, i started seeing I have a few other things to look at, as far as rod bearing undersize and main bearing undersize. Im wanting to go .030 over. Will I have to do anything as far as rod and main undersize? or is that just an option, not a requirement. and I am knowledgable, just drawing blanks lately, where can I get more power across the board, just boring it or stroking it? and if possible can i do both, a bore and stroke? and yes, I also know after the engine i know i will have to build my tranny up quite a bit. Throw me some options as far as where to go for good power and what not. I know it will add up to a decent bill, but i have an attachment to the truck, its always going to be around me haha.
FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
This topic is always being discussed here so spend some time surfing around and reading threads there is lots of good info to be found.
Overall there is a ton of performance potential in this motor, but in all cases except where a supercharger is involved that always leads to a higher rpm motor so axle gearing is an important part of the puzzle. Your particular truck is a bit limited in upgrade potential as it stands because of the type of EFI system it has, so that is another thing that will have to be upgraded if you go past mild performance add-ons and try to exceed the 300hp level. Also note that vehicle driveability and fuel milage often go downhill the further you build the motor, there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're aware and willing to live with it.
The E4OD is a plenty strong trans but it's achilles heel is fluid cooling and heat in general so you will want to address that even if you don't build the motor too much.
Overall there is a ton of performance potential in this motor, but in all cases except where a supercharger is involved that always leads to a higher rpm motor so axle gearing is an important part of the puzzle. Your particular truck is a bit limited in upgrade potential as it stands because of the type of EFI system it has, so that is another thing that will have to be upgraded if you go past mild performance add-ons and try to exceed the 300hp level. Also note that vehicle driveability and fuel milage often go downhill the further you build the motor, there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're aware and willing to live with it.
The E4OD is a plenty strong trans but it's achilles heel is fluid cooling and heat in general so you will want to address that even if you don't build the motor too much.
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Well, I plan on restoring the truck. so, wont be driven a whole lot so mileage doesnt bother me, since im putting in the 33 gal. bronco rear tank. And yes, I definitly agree to throw on an trans cooler in the front. doing dual electric fans, replace radiator, and what not for the cooling aspect. also, putting on an alternator i found on bronco graveyard. says it has 90 amps at idle, and i think 200 amps or so while your driving. i run off road lights whenever i drive at night, a sound system, and occasionally a 2nd set of O-R lights, if its really nice and dark 
just still trying to figure out the difference of bore-stroke. Well, im off to research!
just still trying to figure out the difference of bore-stroke. Well, im off to research!
FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The practical limit of the 302 block is 347 cubic inches, that is achieved by increasing stroke to 3.4" with a stroker kit and usually a slight bore increase but overall it's all about the longer stroke. When an engine is rebuilt all wear and contact surfaces are usually machined but a stroker kit replaces the crank and rods so all bearings are usually stock size and it's just the cylinder bores, pistons and rings that are oversized.
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out of curiousity, what is the stock stroke? and also the stock bore? I dont want to push it too too far, but i want that power and acceleration. i also looked at supercharging it as well. would it still be safe to build it to a 347 With a charger on it? I dont want to grenade the lower end but dont want to blow the top off either.
For those wondering why i want to do this to my truck, it was my friends who could build anything and helped me out a ton. he recently passed away, so I'm making it kind of to a memorial to a friend. pricey, yes, worth it to me, bigger yes haha
For those wondering why i want to do this to my truck, it was my friends who could build anything and helped me out a ton. he recently passed away, so I'm making it kind of to a memorial to a friend. pricey, yes, worth it to me, bigger yes haha
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awesome! thanks for that tid bit of information. trying to get a write up done to get an idea of what i have to do to get near that 347 area. might not go that high, but, if looking at some threads and i like what i see, i just may go there. and i know some questions may be answered in other threads, i just word things differently and think different so i like my oddly worded questions answered sometimes. thanks for the patience everyone! y'all help more than ya think on any question i cant answer
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Posting Guru
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From: Hartland, WI
Another option to consider is building a 351. More cubes right out of the gate, and more torque. 393 and 408 strokers are also possible if you want to go all out. They also produce power at a lower rpm than the 302 does.
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is there a big price difference between doing a 302 or 351w? also, i havent had the oppurtunity to do this on a vehicle with a computer, will i have to mess with the computer much? or at all? did one for my ex's dad, was a 60's camaro. so i didnt have to even worry. but this one here has all the electronics.
what i have right now, is a bone stock 302. has MSD cap/rotor n Hi-performance wires. Will have new coil in a couple weeks. true dual 2.5 inch exhaust with magnaflow super 44's side shot out at the end of the ext. cab.
if knowing exactly what i got helps us out here
what i have right now, is a bone stock 302. has MSD cap/rotor n Hi-performance wires. Will have new coil in a couple weeks. true dual 2.5 inch exhaust with magnaflow super 44's side shot out at the end of the ext. cab.
if knowing exactly what i got helps us out here
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From: Honokaa Hawaii (Ahualoa)
I would like to follow your build. I am interested in doing the same thing. although I have a 351 block in my garage. I was kind of thinking about 1000HP for the 351 block, if that is possible at all.
Fleet Owner
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From: Kentucky
1000 FWHP on a stock block is going to be very dangerous and expensive.
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From: Honokaa Hawaii (Ahualoa)
Just under 900 RWHP with 28 lbs. of boost and a FRPP 351 block punched out to 427 cubes: 1979 Ford Mustang - Project Pretty Ugly - Part 3 - 5.0 Mustang Magazine
1000 FWHP on a stock block is going to be very dangerous and expensive.
1000 FWHP on a stock block is going to be very dangerous and expensive.
just an hobby, (dream) if I can afford it
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2012
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If you build the up the engine AND supercharge it, you'll have to get a very conservative tune to not blow it up. 302's just aren't that strong. I'd build a 351, like a 393 or 408 build. Gobs and gobs of torque which is what you'll want for a truck. A high performance 302 in a truck will just be revving its little *** off to get somewhere. Also I would never waste my time rebuilding a 302 unless I was for sure putting a stroker kit in it. You can pick up low mileage Explorer/Mountaineer engines for under 500 bucks and the cost of a rebuild kit for a 302 is already over that. Then you'd have machine costs and all other miscellaneous items to get.
Also your fuel injection set up. Bigger pump, bigger injectors, probably wanna convert to MAF with a big MAF housing, or find a tuner who can tune Speed density. Or go with a stand alone engine management system and tune it yourself. Also take whatever budget you have made up in your head and then throw it out the window
Also your fuel injection set up. Bigger pump, bigger injectors, probably wanna convert to MAF with a big MAF housing, or find a tuner who can tune Speed density. Or go with a stand alone engine management system and tune it yourself. Also take whatever budget you have made up in your head and then throw it out the window
Tuned
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Also I wouldn't really worry about the cubic inches. Everyone thinks strokers are the way to go. Most of the time I see people stroke engines and leave the factory top end on them. That's like taking an Olympic runner and making them breath through a straw while racing. You can take a stock bottom end 302 and make it put out well over 300 HP to the tires with a very well matched top end. Just imagine what could be done with a 351 with a good top end.
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I have thought of doing a 351w, I am very fond of those motors. the 302 is just what I already had. so thought of sticking with it, but may decide to swap to a 351 out of a bronco. and build the hell out of it. and yes, i know, when you set a price up, pretty much double your limit n bust your *** for a while longer and you might have it done the way you dream. now, you mentioned stand alone systems...how are those done? i normally just do bolt on stuff, but want to go all out on this one. as to computers, im not a huge fan of them. can i swap a 351 (maybe a 460) to all carb'ed? and have absolutely no computer?
figure if im going all out maybe just build the hell out of a 460 n see where it goes haha. just keep thinking of new ways to build. im not glued to one set up or another. just the best i can make.
figure if im going all out maybe just build the hell out of a 460 n see where it goes haha. just keep thinking of new ways to build. im not glued to one set up or another. just the best i can make.