Worst engine 302-why?
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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The main problem with the 302 is that its way oversquare bore/stroke configuration and its poor volumetric efficiency (it can't breathe) renders it a dismal engine for towing anything heavier than a lawnmower. It was an okay car engine but a lackluster truck/towing engine. They perform horribly below around 2500 rpm and even when they're wound up they don't exactly light the world on fire. On top of that their fuel economy is poor for no more power than they make. The only thing a 302 has going for it in a truck application is its reliability/longevity. Despite being slugs they do tend to last a long time and not give much trouble.
New User
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Originally Posted by t_dickie
A stock 302 will not touch 6000rpm
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Close to Mr. Anderson
Your right Planc, most people don't figure out that the stock ford heads are the biggest restriction in these engines! they are done this way to produce LOW torque...and pass emmissions. even the early '60's heads were really sorry. they were designed for 260ci and 289ci engines. One of the main reason's Ford used cleveland heads on the BOSS 302 and they wanted to win... So if you really want to build a screeming 302/ 351 you'll have to go to a set of aftermarket heads...WORLD, AFR, CANFIELD, TRICK FLOW, EDELBROCK, FORD GT-40...Just to name a few. i recently installed a set of WORLD W.Sr. on my 427 and what a difference ...
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 39
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From: Wyoming, Michigan
Say what you will about the poor flowing heads on 289's & 302's, they flowed good enough for 289 Mustangs to whip the BEST GM had in SCCA racing: the 327 CORVETTE! So much for "sorry" restricted design.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 39
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From: Wyoming, Michigan
FE "BOAT ANCHORS"
I Believe 428 Mustangs w/boat anchor FE's still hold national NHRA records in B/SA or similar classes of drag racing. The 428 is a quicker revving engine than the [canted valve] 429, possibly because of a lighter crankshaft and ports that make more torque [fact. stock].
Originally Posted by DOHCmarauder
Good post. Confused on your "siamesed block" statement. Never have seen ANY Ford regular production block that didn't have full water jackets.(there is an SVO BLOCK that's siamesed)
Gotta chuckle at the "289 is better than 302 statements" from other posters. The most comical was the "old school 255" comment. Considering the 255 was conceived AFTER the 221/260/289/302.
I do love old timers reliving the glory years. The FE in 427 guise (especially SOHC) were forces to be reckoned with. But all other FE's became boat anchors when canted valve heads(ford/chevy) on big blocks became the norm.
4 bolt boss blocks(rare) and even thin wall castings with a cheap girdle will spin easily and reliably to 7k.
The small block chevy and 5.0(actually 4.9) Ford are easily the most aftermarket supported engines of all times.
Gotta chuckle at the "289 is better than 302 statements" from other posters. The most comical was the "old school 255" comment. Considering the 255 was conceived AFTER the 221/260/289/302.
I do love old timers reliving the glory years. The FE in 427 guise (especially SOHC) were forces to be reckoned with. But all other FE's became boat anchors when canted valve heads(ford/chevy) on big blocks became the norm.
4 bolt boss blocks(rare) and even thin wall castings with a cheap girdle will spin easily and reliably to 7k.
The small block chevy and 5.0(actually 4.9) Ford are easily the most aftermarket supported engines of all times.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,241
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From: Broken Arrow, OK
I've never had any real problems with any SBF. They are well know for head gasket issues when performance is increased significantly over stock. This is because of the low number of head bolts. They are also known for twisting off oil pump driveshafts. Other than that I don't know of any issues. Some people hold external balancing against them as well, but that really isn't a reliability issue.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
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I have a 76 F-100 short box 1/2 ton it has a 302 with a 3 on the tree and it still run strong. It get's pretty decent gas mileage on the highway. Only problem i've had was my A.I.R. pump going out. But it was the original only about 29 years of work and quite a few miles put on it.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by GreekGod
I Believe 428 Mustangs w/boat anchor FE's still hold national NHRA records in B/SA or similar classes of drag racing. The 428 is a quicker revving engine than the [canted valve] 429, possibly because of a lighter crankshaft and ports that make more torque [fact. stock].
The reason that the 428 does well in stock classes is that they are artificially underrated (335 HP)and actually hold a weight advantage over a lot of rivals.
Also, besides the ultra rare Boss 429, the 429's weren't available until the supersize '71.
I love FE's. GREAT historical motor. Except for the SOHC motor it does not have as much potential as a 385 motor........Sorry.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by DOHCmarauder
The reason that the 428 does well in stock classes is that they are artificially underrated (335 HP)and actually hold a weight advantage over a lot of rivals.
Also, besides the ultra rare Boss 429, the 429's weren't available until the supersize '71.
I love FE's. GREAT historical motor. Except for the SOHC motor it does not have as much potential as a 385 motor........Sorry.
Also, besides the ultra rare Boss 429, the 429's weren't available until the supersize '71.
I love FE's. GREAT historical motor. Except for the SOHC motor it does not have as much potential as a 385 motor........Sorry.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: House Springs, MO
Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
What 385 do you speak of?
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
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From: Broken Arrow, OK
Originally Posted by GreekGod
I Believe 428 Mustangs w/boat anchor FE's still hold national NHRA records in B/SA or similar classes of drag racing. The 428 is a quicker revving engine than the [canted valve] 429, possibly because of a lighter crankshaft and ports that make more torque [fact. stock].