Motor opinions...
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 273
Likes: 5
From: Bardwell Tx
Motor opinions...
I'm looking at a 53 Ford Customline that has a flathead in it... I have a 79 parts truck with a 302 in it....
Which would be the better motor to build for decent HP/torque?? Ill go with Edelbrock EFI (again) and not sure on heads yet...
Which would be the better motor to build for decent HP/torque?? Ill go with Edelbrock EFI (again) and not sure on heads yet...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 896
Likes: 55
From: Bothell
The 302 is a more efficient motor for sure but flatheads are so cool.
what’s your intended use for the truck? If it’s just a sunny day weekend truck I’d build the flathead. It won’t be that far behind the 302 in power or mileage to really matter.
If you are not interested in the flat head I wouldn’t actually spend my time to swap in the 302 especially if you plan to go EFI. I’d go build a 351w with a striker kit in it and you could even get one from a 96-97 that is factory efi.
what’s your intended use for the truck? If it’s just a sunny day weekend truck I’d build the flathead. It won’t be that far behind the 302 in power or mileage to really matter.
If you are not interested in the flat head I wouldn’t actually spend my time to swap in the 302 especially if you plan to go EFI. I’d go build a 351w with a striker kit in it and you could even get one from a 96-97 that is factory efi.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 962
Likes: 89
From: upstate ny
I agree what are you goals for the car. What trans options are you thinking. The 302 is about 100 lbs lighter stock and could save more with aluminum heads. Could also do a 331 or 347 stroker with the 302. But if it a stock ish car the flathead imo would fit the vib better, and if you build more power any weak links will start showing themselves soon after.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 80
From: NE Texas
ain't nothin' sounds like a flathead. More parts and such available for a 302 but why screw up a good '53 with a dirt common modern motor? You have an ultra-cool truck... the cool factor of the flathead is about 20X a 302. My old-fashioned opinion.
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 3
Efi the flathead, you can make it sneaky and you would have to have a close look to see its fuel injected.. better fuel mileage and power from a classic mill, hard to beat
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From: North Idaho
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