302 from a 76 Mustang question

[fast_pony]

I believe I just got a 302 from a 76 Mustang from a friend for free. The block code is D4DE-6015-BA. I was told that that particular block has a shorter stroke than most 302's. Is this true or did I read this wrong. I am just wondering if this is a block worth rebuilding. From the date code its a 1974 block. The reason I think its out of a 76 Mustang is because on the original valve covers it says that it is good for 1976 emissions and my friend said it came out of a 70's mustang. Is it worth rebuilding or just a good core to save me that core charge.

[Fat0eknee]

depends on what you want out of it, the bore and stroke is the same on all 302's ...block is good to work with but i would lose the heads - in the 70's they put crap heads on them due to emissions. on second thought ..id use it as a core

[Rev]

Depends if it's been bored or not. Check to make sure that it's the oroiginal 4.000" bore or slightly more. Most machinists that I know don't recommend boring more than 4.030" on that block. If it's not been bored, then you may want to get it magnafluxed to check for cracks. If that looks OK, then you may want to use it to build your engine. Most good machine shops will check all that anyway before investing a lot of time, effort, $$$ in machine work.

Rev

[rwhite65]

It would be good for the block and crank, but the pistons are more then likely dished. You will want to chuck those as far away as possible and get som e good pistons for it.
Ryan

[Rev]

Originally Posted by rwhite65

It would be good for the block and crank, but the pistons are more then likely dished. You will want to chuck those as far away as possible and get som e good pistons for it.
Ryan

Right on Ryan. Same goes for cam, valve train, and heads IMHO. Just use the block and crank if they are OK and get them machined for a performance application. Don't forget about good induction and exhaust upgrades.

Rev