1970 f100
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1st Gear
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1970 f100
I currently own a 1970 f100 2wd standard cab long bed with a 302 and c6 transmission, I want to make more power with the 302 it’s currently bone stock and pretty underwhelming. I’m wondering what is the best way to build the 302 to around 400 horsepower while maintaining reliability and not spending an arm a leg. I also want to know if the c6 can handle that power or if I’m going to have to find a different transmission. I’m pretty new to older fords and I’m not sure what’s the best way to make more power any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Tuned
Joined: May 2015
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A 302 isn't going to be inexpensive and/or reliable at 400 HP. It isn't easy to get there regardless of what many crate motor manufacturers claim. A 351 would be a more reliable platform and would allow you to build some horsepower and torque. A 302 can make 400 HP at the expense of torque - and pushing around an old truck requires torque if you want to enjoy driving it. Compared to where your 302 is today, a 300 HP goal may make it more fun to drive with some decent manners. Any more than that in a truck - go bigger. Late(er) model 351 roller engines are plentiful and will likely cost less than a 302 at 400 HP. A 351 stroker would get you to your goal faster - and is also a better option than a 302 in a truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2017
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From: COSMOS
I have been researching 302 Windsors 
for years .They make plenty of torque .
Here is an excerpt from the first example of a 302 build I found immediately when I googled 302 400hp : With the Performer RPM, the 302 engine made 369.1 lb-ft peak torque at 4,500 rpm and 387.5 hp at 6,250. The Victor Jr. shifted the curves higher, making 370.1 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm and 401.5 hp at 6,500. Both combinations made over 1 hp/ci from 4,500 through 6,750 rpm and over 300 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 through 6,500.
This engine cost $3500-4000.00 in last century
Around $2500 if you did most of the work yourself .
Vintage 302 engines will split apart around 500 hp or so , not sure the exact rating . Maybe 600hp........Now these are cast iron engines not the new Darts or Coyotes.......
The only way you will not spend an arm & a leg is if you use 2 small Chinese turbo chargers or 2 used turbos , or nitrous oxide , or a used roots blower .
250 hp with long tube headers , 3:55 or 4:10 gears will sound like 400 hp
for years .They make plenty of torque .Here is an excerpt from the first example of a 302 build I found immediately when I googled 302 400hp : With the Performer RPM, the 302 engine made 369.1 lb-ft peak torque at 4,500 rpm and 387.5 hp at 6,250. The Victor Jr. shifted the curves higher, making 370.1 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm and 401.5 hp at 6,500. Both combinations made over 1 hp/ci from 4,500 through 6,750 rpm and over 300 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 through 6,500.
This engine cost $3500-4000.00 in last century
Around $2500 if you did most of the work yourself . Vintage 302 engines will split apart around 500 hp or so , not sure the exact rating . Maybe 600hp........Now these are cast iron engines not the new Darts or Coyotes.......
The only way you will not spend an arm & a leg is if you use 2 small Chinese turbo chargers or 2 used turbos , or nitrous oxide , or a used roots blower .
250 hp with long tube headers , 3:55 or 4:10 gears will sound like 400 hp
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