do all 302's have the same hp potential?
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No.
Head, compression ratios, cams differ.
As for going down to the bare block, there are some Mexican cast blocks that are supposed to be better than the others, but let's forget that. Once you go to the bare block, you are pretty much able to build it to whatever you want, within the limits of a 302. If you are starting with and staying with smog-motor small-valve pinched exhaust heads, and low compression, you will be unable to get the power of someone bleeding the cash for the better parts.
You can certainly improve your motor's performance, but as old Shelby said, "There is no substitute for cubic inches except cubic dollars." He was referring to the difference between the rather crude 427's vs. the sophisticated Ferrari motors, but it holds true right on down to a Briggs and Stratton.
Head, compression ratios, cams differ.
As for going down to the bare block, there are some Mexican cast blocks that are supposed to be better than the others, but let's forget that. Once you go to the bare block, you are pretty much able to build it to whatever you want, within the limits of a 302. If you are starting with and staying with smog-motor small-valve pinched exhaust heads, and low compression, you will be unable to get the power of someone bleeding the cash for the better parts.
You can certainly improve your motor's performance, but as old Shelby said, "There is no substitute for cubic inches except cubic dollars." He was referring to the difference between the rather crude 427's vs. the sophisticated Ferrari motors, but it holds true right on down to a Briggs and Stratton.
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