First upgrades for a 302?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2019
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First upgrades for a 302?
Hello everyone, I'm looking to build the 302 in my 1976 f100 (or maybe eventually get a later explorer block, are the parts interchangeable?) I plan on putting an efi kit on it at some point, (Holley sniper, fitech), but that's a ways away, where should I start now to give it a little more pep?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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First thing to decide is if you are going to work your existing engine, or a different engine.
Most parts are interchangeable through all years of the 302, from '68 to the end.
So decide first and save some money. The Explorer engines have a roller cam and good heads, and even in stock form are well up on a stock '76 motor, which was listed at 130HP in '76.
Look for Explorer motors for sale.
Scroll through this forum for 302 build threads.
Read anything posted by Conanski.
Most parts are interchangeable through all years of the 302, from '68 to the end.
So decide first and save some money. The Explorer engines have a roller cam and good heads, and even in stock form are well up on a stock '76 motor, which was listed at 130HP in '76.
Look for Explorer motors for sale.
Scroll through this forum for 302 build threads.
Read anything posted by Conanski.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
First thing to decide is if you are going to work your existing engine, or a different engine.
Most parts are interchangeable through all years of the 302, from '68 to the end.
So decide first and save some money. The Explorer engines have a roller cam and good heads, and even in stock form are well up on a stock '76 motor, which was listed at 130HP in '76.
Look for Explorer motors for sale.
Scroll through this forum for 302 build threads.
Read anything posted by Conanski.
Most parts are interchangeable through all years of the 302, from '68 to the end.
So decide first and save some money. The Explorer engines have a roller cam and good heads, and even in stock form are well up on a stock '76 motor, which was listed at 130HP in '76.
Look for Explorer motors for sale.
Scroll through this forum for 302 build threads.
Read anything posted by Conanski.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 7
Actual first thing to decide is what you are DOING with your truck.
Fast and quick are two different things as are the differences in racing, towing or hauling.
The build parameters will be different depending on your goals.
If it's just a little more power over "stock" all the basic hot rodding mods apply. The engine is an air pump and anything you do to increase it's efficiencies will do.
How it uses that new power will depend on things like the type of cam you go with and gear ratios etc.
Everything is interrelated.
With that engine bay the sky's the limit.
TG
Fast and quick are two different things as are the differences in racing, towing or hauling.
The build parameters will be different depending on your goals.
If it's just a little more power over "stock" all the basic hot rodding mods apply. The engine is an air pump and anything you do to increase it's efficiencies will do.
How it uses that new power will depend on things like the type of cam you go with and gear ratios etc.
Everything is interrelated.
With that engine bay the sky's the limit.
TG
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
With a 76 truck, don't even waste your time with a 302. Go up in size to 351W. Same mounts, same bellhousing pattern. Look for a roller 351 out of a 94-97 truck or van and build from there. Even better, stroke it to a 393 or 408.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 202
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I agree with baddad457 I recently put a rebuilt roller 306 with Edelbrock heads and a mild cam. thee truck sounds awesome but just doesn't have the get up and go I was hoping for. Now If I put engine that engine in a fox body mustang it would be some fun.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Even in a Stang, a stroker would be even more fun. I went 331 in an 89 Ranger then later put this motor in a 77 Comet and it's tire burnin sumbitch
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