302 upgrades
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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302 upgrades
Hi all-
Hopefully this isn't too much of a re-hash on something that has been discussed a million times...
I've got a 78 F-100 with a 302, 2bbl carb, and I want to do some real basic modifications to the engine, to hopefully free up some horsepower.
My question isn't really a how-to, but what-to. I'm no stranger to engine modifications, I am just unfamiliar with the design.
I want to get a 4bbl intake and carb- Is there a intake and carb that I should be using that works better than any other?
Where is the "bottleneck" in these engines? For instance, Oldsmobile engines can really benefit from port work. Are the Fords similar in that the heads are really restrictive?
Any other "mandatory" modifications that I should know about?
Thanks for any advice!
Andrew
Hopefully this isn't too much of a re-hash on something that has been discussed a million times...
I've got a 78 F-100 with a 302, 2bbl carb, and I want to do some real basic modifications to the engine, to hopefully free up some horsepower.
My question isn't really a how-to, but what-to. I'm no stranger to engine modifications, I am just unfamiliar with the design.
I want to get a 4bbl intake and carb- Is there a intake and carb that I should be using that works better than any other?
Where is the "bottleneck" in these engines? For instance, Oldsmobile engines can really benefit from port work. Are the Fords similar in that the heads are really restrictive?
Any other "mandatory" modifications that I should know about?
Thanks for any advice!
Andrew
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 6
From: Earth
Ford heads are junk. For what it would cost to port, upgrade the valves, springs, etc. and rework them you can buy a set of complete CNC ported factory heads or some low-end aftermarket heads. Figure ~$1,200 for the best heads.
OTOH, some of the factory castings work okay depending on what you're trying to accomplish. You'd be better off buying a pair of GT-40 heads than fooling with the ones on the truck now.
Edelbrock's Performer RPM is a great manifold. I like QuickFuel carbs but they're pricey.
Have you upgraded the exhaust? If not, start there - headers, duals, Magnaflow (or some lesser equivalent...) mufflers. Then the intake. Those two things will help some until you're ready to get serious. Stick in a new cam and it will be about as peppy as it can get without spending $$$$thousands.
OTOH, some of the factory castings work okay depending on what you're trying to accomplish. You'd be better off buying a pair of GT-40 heads than fooling with the ones on the truck now.
Edelbrock's Performer RPM is a great manifold. I like QuickFuel carbs but they're pricey.
Have you upgraded the exhaust? If not, start there - headers, duals, Magnaflow (or some lesser equivalent...) mufflers. Then the intake. Those two things will help some until you're ready to get serious. Stick in a new cam and it will be about as peppy as it can get without spending $$$$thousands.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Just curious Baron on why you would suggest the Edelbrock Performer RPM over the standard Edelbrock Performer? I always thought the regular Performer would be better suited for a heavy truck with a 302 because its optimum power range is from idle - 5000 rpm whereas the Performer RPM starts at 1,500 rpm?
