Performance 302
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Performance 302
Hi guys, new to the scene here. Just found this web sight and it looks great. I have a problem with my 302 engine in my 83 F150 4 X 4. I rebuilt it last year with performance parts from Elebrock. . . Performer cam, intake, carb, double roller timing chain, etc. The problem is the eninge lacks power when pulling my boat. It runs fine the rest of the time. I think it may have something to do with the timing. Edelbrock is wishy-washy on the initial timing setting. Right now, I have it set at 12 degrees BTDC. The motor is currently running a stock distributor. Has anyone out there had this problem or have ideas on where the problem could be? I'm installing an air/fuel mixture gauge in the next couple of weeks to check the carb while the engine is running for a/f ratios. Any ideas are welcome. Ford rules! Murf
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Performance 302
What is your gear ratio,tire size,and type of tranny? You may just be over taxing your engines HP output.The 302 can be built for good HP but is not massively torquey,so impropper gearing could easily get you out of your optimum power band.
Jeff
Jeff
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From: saramento usa
Performance 302
You'll get a little more torque (but less HP) if you set the dist between 6-9 BTC, at least that's my understanding! The rear axle will also make a big difference in your pulling power, especially at the lower rpms.
Say, you're putting in an A/F gauge, I was thinking the same thing, but I haven't a clue as how to do this. Does it run off an oxygen sensor in the exhaust?
Slik
Say, you're putting in an A/F gauge, I was thinking the same thing, but I haven't a clue as how to do this. Does it run off an oxygen sensor in the exhaust?
Slik
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Performance 302
The air/fuel gauge connects to an oxygen sensor. I purchased the gauge and O2 sensor from Summit last week. It will run you about $70.00. I have shorty headers on the engine that already has a fitting for an O2 sensor. If you don't have this fitting, a muffler shop can install one for you. I have not installed the gauge yet, but will drop you a note on how it ends up working.
The rear ratio is 3.55 and I am running 32 inch tires. No overdrive.
The rear ratio is 3.55 and I am running 32 inch tires. No overdrive.
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Performance 302
Your gear ratio is fine with stock tires, and not off the chart with 32" tires,but you are at the low end of the spectrum as far as performance goes. Your increased tire size is taxing your HP even when unladen,but your considerable torque is making up for any noticeable loss of power.But when you throw a load on your rig,your feeling the affects of a less than optimum gear ratio,(as far as high performance goes).Increasing your stock tire configuration by over 3" strains your engine performance considerably.Bigger tires are great,(but they require more HP just due to there weight and resistance),without a ring and pinion change,or performance up grades you are going to feel the results. 4.10:1 gears would put you back to about the Factory set up, 4.56:1 would be a step towards higher Performance(less economy).
Just something to consider.
Jeff
Just something to consider.
Jeff
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Performance 302
I have messed around a whole lot more than i care to mention with gear ratios and tire sizes. I can tell you right away that your present gearing with 32" tires with a 302 engine pulling a boat is a no-win battle. Forget the 32" tires or raise your gearing to 4.11. The problem with raising your gear ratio is the wear-and-tear on your engine will go way up with everyday driving.
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