fatfenders,
This forum is great and a wealth of info. My next step is to replace the exhaust with a 2" or 2 1/2 "system with flowmasters or something similar.

Then I'll look again at the motor. It seems solid enough, 150 psi plus in all cylinders.

The edelbrock 600 is a huge difference from the carter that was on there although I think they are almost identical carbs. The carter was leaking internally and I just couldn't get it to run right.

For now I am just going to cruise it around for a month or two while the weather in Chicago is nice.

 

Exactly RMF,

Those Californians. They pick their mayors and governers at the movies. The lazy ones just use HBO or Showtime. And then they all want to complain when things don't go so well. Frankly I'm tired of all this oil company innuendo. Don't you people realize there is an energy shortage just prior to every major holiday since 1974.
How did we go from cams to California? Actually we have a governor who is doing something now, and to correct you, the lazy ones don't use HBO the use MTV. And whose complaining? I live in CA because I make a ton of money here. Otherwise, it's for the hot women, great weather, sports activities, (surfing, skiing, etc.) Sure beats chasing pigs and milkin the cows every morning. Oh did I mention most of the trucks in magazine come from CA?

 

"How did we go from cams to California?"

imlowr2

I'm not sure, it just happens. And I agree you guys have a pretty good governor, but RMF and I seldom let facts get in the way when we are messing with Daryl.

 

I have the Comp Cams 268H in my 56 with a 351 Cleveland. I absolutely love that cam. Has enough "lump" to the idle to get your attention but it works great on the street. My panel will break the tires loose at any time and I get 16-18mpg from her. Bad news is that the panel has been torn down since gas was $1.30/gal.
I am currently using my 66 F100 with a 390 and a Crane Cams 292. It sounds so mean but it delivers a solid 10 mpg all day. Just too much cam to be a fuel-sipper. I do get lots of compliments on how good it sounds.

 

There I go gettin' goose-bumps when you guys show all that affection! That's why I love FTE so much. It's like having a (chat) room full of brothers, never letting a SINGLE thing slide by! Ya gotta love it!!!
Seriously though, headers are usually a good idea, no question there. But with adding X,Y, and Z to the 302, the size of the exhaust system tubing and type of muffler(s) also begins to play into the equation. Breathing is important to ANY engine (more oxygen + more gas = more hp), but too much exhaust diameter can be detrimental too.

So, Imlowr2, do you have a clear decision on what you're going to do to your 302? Specifics on performance add-ons are essential so we can give you accurate feedback and opinions based on our past experience(s). So, let us know what parts and their spec's you decide to go with...

Punch-drunk from gettin hit from all sides,
Butch n Me !!!

 

Hey DS59, actually it wasn't so much me that needed the info about 302's, it was Chitown. Actually, I kinda know where I'm going, just not sure how radical I want to go? For now, I already have an edelbrock torquer manifold with an Edelbrock carb. I'm also running a Mallory Super Coil to a Mallory dual point distributor (I know get rid of it and go electronic). The rest of the motor is virtually stock. I definitely want to go with headers but am undecised whether to go with shorties? or Hooker comps. I've also been looking at Doug Thorley headers. Basically want something easy to install, performs well and sounds great. (not asking for too much) The exhaust is 2.5" to the differential with turndowns. The mufflers are magnaflows.(pretty quiet vs. flowmasters). I'm not sure on a cam yet, I'm thinking about a mild hydraulic cam such as 480 lift with about 250-280 duration. I'd like to have a gear drive (primarily for the noise, I know I know....) That's about it. My other option is to get a new motor, preferable big block Ford and put it together for a Supercharger motor( I can get a BDS Blower for a great price. Using low compression pistons etc. Option one is cheaper to do, and probably more reliable in the long run. Option 2 would be a kick in the seat of my pants not to mention stand out from other trucks. I'd love to hear recommendations on what to do or not to do. 59, I know your a brother from CA, but I got love for anyone who loves classic automobiles/ trucks. States/ cities have no bearing on me.(unless your from San Francisco or West Hollyweird, and won't go there! LOLOLOLOL....)

 

I definitely want to go with headers but am undecised whether to go with shorties? or Hooker comps. I've also been looking at Doug Thorley headers. 59, I know your a brother from CA, but I got love for anyone who loves classic automobiles/ trucks. States/ cities have no bearing on me.(unless your from San Francisco or West Hollyweird, and won't go there! LOLOLOLOL....)[/QUOTE]


Imlowr2,
Regarding the headers: first of all it depends what will fit. Is your front end clipped or do you intend to put and IFS? or bag it? I had thorley headers until I went IFS, then had no room with the rack and pinion so had to get block huggers. If you can afford it, go ceramic if looks matter to you under the hood. I've had stainless steel, chrome and standard-issue headers. They all turn colors to one degree or another. If looks are not important, go with the standard-issue; they perform just as well as chrome, stainless steel and ceramic.

Regarding the last bit: Well, I'm not from SF or W.Hollyweird, not my style. And I share the same enthusiasm for classic car & truck lovers far and wide without prejudice. "It's all good" in the classic car & truck arena, IMHO.

DS

 

Chitown,

What size was your Carter carb? I have a Carter AFB 625cfm on my so-very-manly 302 (insert pause for Fergie and 'fenders to start their wheels a-turnin). What kind of mpg are you getting with the Edelbrock 600?

Regarding exhaust diameter, I split the difference. I went with 2 1/4" aluminized duals with FlowMaster Series 40 mufflers. My exhaust exits in front of each rear tire. IMO, the 40's are loud when you're in the truck driving/idling/etc... but everyone outside the truck says it sounds just right: nice "rumpity-rump" (thanks to the cam) and a healthy note(thanks to the mufflers). I tried to run a dual exhaust exit out the back below the bumper, but wouldn't fit with the de-arched springs, 20-gal fuel cell behind the rear end mellon and the spare tire back there.

DS

 

dsf59,
The edelbrock is 600 cfm and the motor is stock with the exception of a petronix module and coil. I was planning 2 1/4 exhuast with flowmaster 40 or 50 series muffler.

Mileage is unknown becasue I haven't kept track yet.

I still need to sort out the tires and rims.

 

I still need to sort out the tires and rims.[/QUOTE]

Chitown,

What size(s) tires are you thinking of running? or, if you've already decided, what size(s) are you going with? What rear gears are you running?

DS

 

Right now they are 225/75 15. I am thinking of going wider to a 70 or 60 series with 7 inch chromies. I don't want to go to a taller tire because when I drive it to work the indoor garage is limited to 6' 4" total height.

Don't know about the gearing, I'll be under the truck this weekend to check it out.

 

Chitown,

225 in any profile (aka, sidewall height: 75, 70, 60, etc) will all be the same width. The tire itself will be overall smaller in circumference the lower the profile number. Concurrently, it will also have a smaller sidewall height the lower the profile number. Here's a website that you can pump different size tires into, compare different size tires, and get size spec's on each tire as you go. Should provide useful information to you as far as width and height (so you can clear the 6'4" work ceiling!)...
www.dakota-truck.net/TIRECALC/tirecalc

Good luck,
DS

 

DS59,
I didn't encinuate you where from San Francisco or Hollyweird. I apologize if you took it that way. Thanks for the header information. My suspension is still original stock. Front end is lowered about 2". Planning on keeping the stock suspension for now. I'm with you on the ceramic headers. Thanks.

 

No worries; I didn't take it that way. I was just relating to what you were saying because I've seen it first hand and it's definitely off the charts. SF and WH are definitely a trip for straight shooters like us to experience!

Cheers,
DS