Opinions wanted
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 849
Likes: 14
From: Fayetteville, NC
Opinions wanted
What is everyone's opinion on using an old tbi 302 as a core rebuild for my '89? I can pick one up for $150. Should I stick with a newer model 302 say '88 and newer or would an older block and heads be a good starting point for a rebuild? Just looking for opinions...thoughts, etc.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,524
Likes: 2,028
From: North Texas
I would just want a one piece rear main block, which was 82 or 84...I think the earlier, but cannot recall when Ford offered that CFI stuff. My 05/88 has a roller block with the nubs not drilled nor tapped, but had a flat tappet camshaft. My pals mid '89 had a roller block that was roller ready. I would go that route if looking.
In my yards, there are many 302 and 351s around still. Not a PILE but still there. If you are doing a fresh build, start with a 351. Everything is better with it, if you cannot I would find the latest 302 block you can.
In my yards, there are many 302 and 351s around still. Not a PILE but still there. If you are doing a fresh build, start with a 351. Everything is better with it, if you cannot I would find the latest 302 block you can.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I wouldn't buy a smog era 302 on purpose and I don't know if I'd even take one for free.. the heads are junk and the bottom end is the weakest ever made. Find another roller block(87+) to use and put some upgrades(over your stock motor) into it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 849
Likes: 14
From: Fayetteville, NC
When you say the bottom end is weak, to what are you referring to? I plan on having it rebuilt top to bottom regardless of what I get (unless it's a low mileage, running motor). That's the issue I have with my current 302 is the bottom end is knocking and it's an '89 with only 143k.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The block and rotating assembly are physically weaker than any other era motor, that may not be a big issue for a relatively stock build but is that all you want? What are your plans for the build?
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I would just want a one piece rear main block, which was 82 or 84...I think the earlier, but cannot recall when Ford offered that CFI stuff. My 05/88 has a roller block with the nubs not drilled nor tapped, but had a flat tappet camshaft. My pals mid '89 had a roller block that was roller ready. I would go that route if looking.
In my yards, there are many 302 and 351s around still. Not a PILE but still there. If you are doing a fresh build, start with a 351. Everything is better with it, if you cannot I would find the latest 302 block you can.
In my yards, there are many 302 and 351s around still. Not a PILE but still there. If you are doing a fresh build, start with a 351. Everything is better with it, if you cannot I would find the latest 302 block you can.
I’m seeing less of them and more Modular motors but they are still around my local yards.
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