Hi there. torqueKing lists some pretty nice mods for the 302 to build HP&TQ, but from what I've read, it's all just theory and desktop Dyno stuff. Has anyone actually put this combo together? If so, what kind of results did you get? I'm seriously thinking of yanking off the EFI of my 86 (speed density) 302 (have minor but frustrating trouble with it), and adding some nice mods to build up for towing a camp trailer. Thought of just buying a different rig, but really like the truck. See my Gallery for pics. 3.50 gears, and 4speed manual. Anyone have any other ideas for mods to this engine? Obviously don't want to spend a fortune. Under 2K would be great!

 

I would just rebuild to stock, except drop in a Crane EFI cam. Keep all the EFI stuff, I do like it better then carbs (personal preference).
I have about the same setup, 302, 4 speed, 3.55 gears. And I have used it to tow my popup camper several times. It tows well, so I don't think it would need to be a big build up. If a camper is all you plan on towing, just a little more torque and hp is all you would need.
I plan on doing this same thing this winter. Stock rebuild with the Crane EFI cam.

HTH

Roger Lane

 

Swapping your 3.50:1 gears for some 4.10:1 gears will help your truck towing.I'd also agree with keeping your 302's EFI set-up.There are some nice camshafts available for the EFI302 truck engine.Keep it mild....you'll need to improve low end torque for towing.My EFI302 '90 Bronco has a mild RV-type cam(installed by the first owners),and 4.10:1 gears(ditto),and it has some decent power to it. I don't know the cam's specs, but I know low end torque & mid-range is much better than our '86 XLT Bronco,which had a stock EFI302 in it.The former owners towed something big with it-it has extensions for the factory side mirrors to slide out more.I added dual 2 1/4" exhaust,with Flowmaster mufflers to the Bronco,also. I estimate the horsepower to be 260bhp,or 185-195 rear wheel.I know with the changes,it goes 0-60 somewhat quick for a 4,750 lb. 4x4 truck(4.10:1 gears doing their job...)!If 185-195 rear wheel horsepower doesn't sound like much, keep in mind Ford rated the 1990 EFI302 engine at 185 net horsepower,with 51.2 taxable horsepower(1990 Light Truck Specifications Album),so you're talking about 134 rear wheel horsepower.I want to take it and have it dynoed,just out of curiousity.

 

>Hi there. torqueKing lists some pretty nice mods for the 302
>to build HP&TQ, but from what I've read, it's all just
>theory and desktop Dyno stuff. Has anyone actually put this
>combo together?

I've put together that same combo, except with an Xtreme 250 cam, instead of the hydraulic roller 264. I already mentioned that the numbers I'm talking about are flywheel GROSS numbers, not flywheel net. This is not just theory either, several publications use that program to predict results, and then run the dyno. The program tends to underestimate horsepower, while slightly overestimating torque at low engine speeds. If you went to a chassis dyno, the general rule is that you'll lose 25% to the drivetrain. I'm not sure what you're trying to say about it not being true, and being all theory. The 302 I put together in my truck is fast enough to beat a totally professional built Vtec engine in a Civic, he's gotta hit the nitrous to keep up. That's not numeric proof, but I still get 13 MPG. I don't tow with it, I have a GMC Suburban for that. The other posts are right on, if you want to tow better you'll have to get more rear end gear, or all the HP that you can bolt on will make little difference. Where have you read anything that says that Dyno 2000 doesn't give good numbers, because if so, I'd like to find out about it, all I've ever seen is good results.

'77 F100, 302 (the aftermarket Prodigy), C4
Cadet Second Lieutenant John F. Daly III
South Carolina Corps of Cadets, The Citadel
The TorqueKing

 

Hey there, didn't mean to ruffle feathers, all I was getting at was that the figures you quoted were from a software program. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I was hoping someone out there had actually installed the combo WITH the roller cam. I was just wanting to get some real world driving feedback. Kind of a seat of the pants thing. Maybe talk with someone who's seen their towing capabilities improve. With the search function down, it's a little tough to find posts on this subject. I read that you would be putting this combo together over Thanksgiving, but I was hoping to do it sooner. That's all. Wasn't downing the desktop dyno program, in fact I'd love to get that program and play around with different things.
One other thing, you mentioned the MSD system. Do you have any experience with Jacobs? Was wondering how they would compare. I've got the Pro-Street setup on a HP Camaro, and a stock 94 T-Bird, and it's doing incredibly well on both rigs. That's what I would be putting on the truck as well, but have heard good things about the MSD as well. The Jacobs are pretty spendy which is fine for the difference they make, haven't priced the MSD yet. I do like the sound of the package you mention as stated before. I'm a big fan of World Products as well. Not looking forward to a gear swap, but know it needs to be done. We've got a shop in town here dedicated to just that sort of thing. Guess I'll be giving them a call.

 

Are you running the stock tire size with those 3.50 gears? I think 4.10s w/ no overdrive is to high of RPMs to run on the highway. I'd lean more to 3.73s.


Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Check out my Gallery for a look-see.

Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!

 

Running 32/11.50/15 BFG A/T K/O on it now. I'll do the math on it and figure which looks the best. Pulls the trailer (3365# on Tanner scales) ok right now,although slowly up some hills, but thoughts of a slightly bigger trailer are in mind.

 

32s bring the ratio down to about 3.15, thats your issue.

65 x 3.50 x 336 / 31.8" = 2403 RPMs at 65 mph
65 x 3.73 x 336 / 31.8" = 2561 RPMs at 65 mph
65 x 4.10 x 336 / 31.8" = 2815 RPMs at 65 mph

Thats what you're RPMs will run in a 1:1 gear, 4th for you since you don't have overdrive. I think the 4.10s would be a little high, but 3.73s are good for the 32" tires while towing.

Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Check out my Gallery for a look-see.

Then theres:
99' Mustang GT 4.6L
88' F-250 Heavyduty 4x4 351/c6
95' Mercury Cougar 4.6L V-8
80' E-350 300/6 with a
3 spd column shifter. Weighs around 7,000lbs w. 65mph top speed, who wants to race me!

 

I plan on an up build similiar to what TK was talking about. Not real sure what I'm going to do on the bottom as far as crank, piston, rods- probrably stay stock. I'll be using the Comp 250H Extreme cam with World Products Windsor Jr's heads. Dynomax headers with dual, and maybe a 65mm intake to help breathing. That can be done for under 2grand. I will be also using the ZF with 4.10 on 31inch tires. Looking around 3000-4000 all togethor in mods but I think it will be worth it. I plan on starting on the motor in about a month or less and I let you know how it goes.