302: Best Block Ever?
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New User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Rocky Mountain House
302: Best Block Ever?
I'm a Chevy Guy, sorry to say but I own two Fords so I can't really do anything about my Chevy inclinations. I'm also a life fan of cars but I'm only just starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. Since i'm a newbie, I'm only used to hearing what's best by what other people say so I can't form my own opinion. Maybe you can help me out...
I'm used to a 350 being the best in my opinion but bioth of my Fords have the 302 block in them and you JUST CAN'T KILL THEM!!! Why is it so strong?
I'm used to a 350 being the best in my opinion but bioth of my Fords have the 302 block in them and you JUST CAN'T KILL THEM!!! Why is it so strong?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,656
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I can honestly say that the only thing the 350 has over the sbf is the heads, they flow way better. I have built both and I was surprised at how bad the 350 casting were. I put a 350 chevy and a 351W rod side by side and what a difference the W rods was a lot beefier and the machine work was a lot better too.
I could go on forever, got nothing against the 350, it's a great motor......I just have Blue Blood.......
I could go on forever, got nothing against the 350, it's a great motor......I just have Blue Blood.......
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 521
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From: new mexico
One of my best friends for 35 years is dyed in the wool chevy.
he has also been a mechanic for longer than that.
but
he claims the Ford engines oil better than chevy on top end.
but chevy is cheaper to rebuild....
he has also been a mechanic for longer than that.
but
he claims the Ford engines oil better than chevy on top end.
but chevy is cheaper to rebuild....
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Originally Posted by StuckWithFords
I'm a Chevy Guy, sorry to say but I own two Fords so I can't really do anything about my Chevy inclinations. I'm also a life fan of cars but I'm only just starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. Since i'm a newbie, I'm only used to hearing what's best by what other people say so I can't form my own opinion. Maybe you can help me out...
I'm used to a 350 being the best in my opinion but bioth of my Fords have the 302 block in them and you JUST CAN'T KILL THEM!!! Why is it so strong?
I'm used to a 350 being the best in my opinion but bioth of my Fords have the 302 block in them and you JUST CAN'T KILL THEM!!! Why is it so strong?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
The 302 (and 5.0 and 289, 260, 255, and 221) small blocks weakest point is the connecting rods. They have rather small 5/16" bolts and are not very robust. Comparing a rod from my 1969 Corolla 1067cc (about 66 cu in!) engine to one from my Ford small block, the Toy is far heavier construction and uses larger bolts.
The exception to this is the HiPo 289 and Boss 302 which used bigger bolts and somewhat better rods.
The exception to this is the HiPo 289 and Boss 302 which used bigger bolts and somewhat better rods.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Ford changed the rods in the early 90's and the weak link in these is the rod itself, not the bolt. Seen two of these with broken rods, the bolts were intact. Both were stock applications, but had obviously not been maintained as they should.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 36
From: British Columbia
Hi Baddad, you are referring to the 90s 5.0 rods, right? So the rods were changed, but the 5/16" bolts remained nominally the same?
Did Ford leave the 351 rods alone till the bitter end of production?
Sometimes I wonder why manufacturers go to the trouble of redesigning a part to make it weaker. Well presumably it's to make it cheaper, but maybe it's also engineers justifying their jobs?
Did Ford leave the 351 rods alone till the bitter end of production?
Sometimes I wonder why manufacturers go to the trouble of redesigning a part to make it weaker. Well presumably it's to make it cheaper, but maybe it's also engineers justifying their jobs?
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Originally Posted by Beanscoot
Hi Baddad, you are referring to the 90s 5.0 rods, right? So the rods were changed, but the 5/16" bolts remained nominally the same?
Did Ford leave the 351 rods alone till the bitter end of production?
Sometimes I wonder why manufacturers go to the trouble of redesigning a part to make it weaker. Well presumably it's to make it cheaper, but maybe it's also engineers justifying their jobs?
Did Ford leave the 351 rods alone till the bitter end of production?
Sometimes I wonder why manufacturers go to the trouble of redesigning a part to make it weaker. Well presumably it's to make it cheaper, but maybe it's also engineers justifying their jobs?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by StuckWithFords
I'm used to a 350 being the best in my opinion but bioth of my Fords have the 302 block in them and you JUST CAN'T KILL THEM!!! Why is it so strong?
