302 Buildup
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
302 Buildup
I have an 85 F150 with a 302 EFI and a c6 automatic. I was wondering what factory horsepower marks are like for this truck. Also i have put on a set of dynomax headers and freed up my intake quite a bit. I would like to know the cheapest quickest way to build some horsepower for this motor. How wild of a cam can I install before I'll run into clearance issues with my pistons and heads? Also what all do I have to get to convert over to a serpentine belt from a V belt in this truck. Thanks for the info.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
If you are going to make power with this engine, you are going to have to change the gearing in the truck. Larger cams and large throttle bodies, move the power up in the higher rpms, so changing the gearing will let you use it. Bascially follow the formula the mustang guys use to get more power.
You might want to consider a stroker kit. This will keep the rpms lower, making the extra power more useful.
You might want to consider a stroker kit. This will keep the rpms lower, making the extra power more useful.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I was planning on putting some new gears in but I'm unsure of what gears to put in. Can anyone let me know what size gears would be a good choice. This is my daily driver but I'd like for it to be able to respectively run at a track.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
I am assuming it's 2wd? What tranny? Look for a tag on the rear and try to find out what you have now. If you have an overdrive tranny, you can run some really fun gears like 4.10's and still be able to drive it around town. Interstate driving you might want to drop down to 3.73's. If you don't have overdrive, you might want to be more conservative if you are planning on driving on long trips.
You also should consider a stall convertor sometime in the future if the engine starts getting radical.
You also should consider a stall convertor sometime in the future if the engine starts getting radical.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yea it's 2wd with a freshly rebuilt c-6 in it (as a matter of fact it's still in the tranny shop right now, should be back tomarrow). So yes i do have overdrive. By the way, is there anything i could do to maybe bump up the gas mileage a lil bit. I get like 9 mpg.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Also hot rodding and gas mileage do not go hand and hand. You are at a crossroads here. Leave the little 302 stock, add a free-flow exhaust and leave the gears a low number in the rear, and you will get decent fuel mileage.
If you want to make a difference at the track, then fuel mileage will get worse, and the more mods made, the more the daily driver status goes away.
If you want to make a difference at the track, then fuel mileage will get worse, and the more mods made, the more the daily driver status goes away.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
If your talking cam you might as well forget about mileage.There are a few thing that can help with power and mileage.Like a good flowing exhaust,a overdrive tranny(my has a quick adjuster for the shift points to meet your driving needs) ,a mild spreed bore 4barrle (if you keep your foot out of it),a nice hot ignition coil,and kicking as much of that emission crap to the curb as you can.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I know that im not gonna get good mileage with high power. But until I have the money to pay for some good heads and what not, id like to get a lil more mileage out of it. I've got a free flowing exhaust (it runs straight out of headers for the moment) and i run it in overdrive all the time. I dont know what all emissions crap should go. There is a pump or something above my alternator that I think has something to do with the emissions.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
to do a serpentine belt set up you need the newer timingchain cover, reverse rotation waterpump ,new alternator pulley, and allthe brackets for serpentine,also crank pulley, waterpump pulley ac ,if you have it and power steering pulley or just pull the steering pump and ac compressor off the donor vehicle
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I have the pulleys for the crank, water pump, and alternator, plus the reverse flow pump. Truck doesn't have a/c. Also, I've noticed it wants to try and stall out when its idling. I've heard that it could have been my throttle position sensor, so i replaced that, and it didnt help. I then took my throttle body off and cleaned it and the inside of my intake. Still didnt help. Any other ideas? When im stopped at a light it will rev up a lil bit and then almost stall and it will keep doing this until i either hold down the gas or it stalls.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Did you clean out around the IAC motor on the throttle body? Sounds like the IAC is sticking. You may also unplug the IAC and adjust the idle stop screw for about 500-600 rpm, and then plug the IAC back in.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Well I fixed it's little idling issue last night but today another problem has come to light. When I left to go to work this morning, I noticed that when I got on the gas, the throttle would cut out. I eased into the pedal and it would let me get up to about 30 mph before the throttle would cut out again. It wouldn't let me go any higher than 30. This is quite a problem since I live out in the country and all the speed limits around here are at least 35.
