Engine build, stroker or better heads?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
Engine build, stroker or better heads?
I'm rebuilding a 302 on a budget. I'm wondering what we be the most bang for the buck, since the bucks are limited. I'm thinking going stroker and staying with my E6 heads, or dump the stroker idea, invest in a set of good heads, cam, and exhaust, with .040 overbore, and stock crank and rods. I can't afford to get a stroker kit and a set of heads. Suggestions anyone? Going in a '73 F100 2wd pickup with 4.11 gears.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 819
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From: Troy,NY
I suggest you stick to a .030 overbore unless you get the block sonic tested.The more you bore it the closer the cylinders get to each other without much more displacement. If your on a budget as I was I'd go with some good heads. Chances are your old ones need some work. That's more money you could put in the heads that you would have to shell out if you went with the stroker. It's much more cost effective to do new heads and do a stroker when your budget allows. Doing it stroker first and heads second and you will never get the potential out of the motor while your saving up for the heads. So get your heads, intake, and exhaust set up and call a few cam companies.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,099
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From: Destin/Ft. Walton Beach,
A 306 is a 302 bored .030" over. I agree with both answers above mine. I've bored a couple of 302's over .040" without sonic checking with no problem, but that is pretty much max. Both engines did run a little warmer then an engine over bored .030". The heads help build more power on an engine then any other part. If you want to keep low end torque, stay with heads with a little smaller valves and intake ports. If you want to make more power and have a manual transmission, go with the bigger valves and matching cam. Your 4.11's will help make up for the loss of torque. Balance that 302 when you build it, have your rods resized and ARP rod bolts added, and have your crank polished and oil holes chamfered. That 302 will sing.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Troy,NY
Originally Posted by 73FOMO
Got to go .040, burnt a piston at .030 and machine shop said he could clean up with .010. Hopefully.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
Plan on going to a good high volume h20 pump, and a oil cooler is not a bad idea. What about the radiator?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Troy,NY
Originally Posted by 73FOMO
Plan on going to a good high volume h20 pump, and a oil cooler is not a bad idea. What about the radiator?
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