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Difference between `79 302 and 302 HO

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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 05:41 AM
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Difference between `79 302 and 302 HO

Hi all,

What are the biggest differences between a 1979 302 mustang engine and a 1992 302 HO thunderbird engine?

Greetz,
Marcel
 
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Old Aug 29, 2008 | 07:46 AM
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Just about everything..

The '79 motor is a low compression POS with wimpy cam and a flying toilet(carb) srapped on top, it was factory rated at 140hp.

The '92 HO motor has 9:1 compression, forged pistons, E7 heads, a 260 duration roller cam, 1 piece rear seal, and SEFI mass air induction, it was rated anywhere between 205-225hp, though 250hp is common with a few simple induction mods.

As they came from the factory the HO motor is rated close to double the HP the "79 was, and even with headers and exhaust the old lump probably wouldn't exceed 200hp while the HO would make close to 300hp.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 12:46 PM
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Ski did a good job of telling you the differences in equipment on the engine.

The difference in the shortblock of the engine is the pistons and the block. The later engines had forged pistions. They also have siamesed cylinder bores for strength. The block is also set up with holes drilled and tapped to hold the spider in place that is necessary for roller lifters.

I thought I would throw this in since it sounded as if you might be looking to decide between these engines for rebuild candidates.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2008 | 01:51 PM
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The '79 motor is a low compression POS with wimpy cam and a flying toilet(carb) srapped on top, it was factory rated at 140hp.
The 79 block is also like 20 pounds heavier.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 05:17 AM
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Thanx for the information

The problem is...i already have the 79 302 engine. But...now i know what to look for when i get passed on the Dutch highway by an exalerating Pinto or a Suzuki Alto.

Good thing is that a `92 Thunderbird with ho isn`t an expensive car over here.

Greetz,
Marcel
 
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 07:12 AM
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Since you already have the engine, it can be the basis for building a strong long block. The TBird HO engine would give you a complete engine that could offer power without having to buy intake, cam and such.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 07:40 AM
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Hi Doc,

Thanks for your awnser, but what would you suggest i do to give that engine a bit more juice?
Most parts are availeble over here in Holland, but they come in pretty pricy.

Regards,
Marcel
 
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 09:13 AM
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It wasn't asked but yes.. the '79 motor has the same potential as the later motor. What you need to do is find a set of E7TE heads from an '87 or later 5.0, upgrade the cam to a conservative but healthy aftermarket unit, and maybe find a 4bbl carb and intake for it. Add a decent exhaust system to that and you will have doubled the power output of the motor.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:53 PM
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I would suggest getting a program like Desktop Dyno or something like it to play with. It will give you an idea of how to build the motor for what you have in mind. A 5.0 can make really good power but it has to be built for the right purpose or it will be a dog.


MBDiagMan... Are you Doc from mercedesshop.com?
 
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by durk
I would suggest getting a program like Desktop Dyno or something like it to play with. It will give you an idea of how to build the motor for what you have in mind. A 5.0 can make really good power but it has to be built for the right purpose or it will be a dog.


MBDiagMan... Are you Doc from mercedesshop.com?
No, I'm LarryBible from mercedesshop.com

How did you guess?
 
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 07:40 AM
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well..... I figured your name was Doc and you were a MB tech by your name. His name on mercedesshop.com is M.B.Doc, so I put 2 and 2 together but I guess I added wrong. I used to be over there all the time but I sold my Benz so I haven't even checked in for a while until yesterday. But anyway now I know who you are. By the way my name over there is durkzz8.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 11:38 AM
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It's quite a long story that I won't go into, but I just basically stopped posting on mshop. Occasionnaly I run into someone or they contact me directly, but for all practical purposes I just don't go there much any more.
 
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