302 builds

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Oct 10, 2011 | 09:31 PM

Danny93

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Joined: May 2011

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302 builds

Howdy yall

I am doing a project for school and I need some information on 302 builds. I would like to know from all yall who have done a 302 build what parts (cylinder heads, intakes, ignitions etc.) you used and why. What kind of results did you get with those parts? What worked at what did not?

Thanks

Danny

Oct 11, 2011 | 08:44 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

The first thing you got to know about these windsors family motors is that none of the factory heads are that spectacular, the best of the bunch are late the model GT40 and GT40p castings found mostly on the 97+ Explorer/Mountaineer and even those are only good for about 300hp as cast. The Explorer did get a very good intake and the 5.0 truck intake also has a lot of potential, but everything else is pretty small. The stock shortblock itself is also very good with high quality parts that can handle 6000rpm and 400 hp all day long, and all 5.0 shortblocks are essentially the same so it almost doesn't matter what vehicle you get one from.. except that an Explorer 5.0 would make a good foundation because of the heads, and an '87-92 Mustang 5.0HO because it was the only motor to get forged pistons from the factory. If you have plans to build a stroker or put a blower on the engine I'd strongly suggest you just start with a 5.8 however as the 5.0 block begins to show it's weaknesses in these applications.. up at the 450-500+ hp level the block simply flexes too much and it's only a mtter of time before it splits itself in half.

Oct 11, 2011 | 08:59 PM

Terpfords

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Joined: Nov 2008

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Well put Conanski.

Let us know some of the details of the build and application, your intended use will determine what direction to go with your build.