Rebuilding a 302
 

In the very near future, I am going to get a 302 (off a mustang 87-93) and rebuild it completly. I want to get around 400-425 hp out of it and am unsure of which way to go. After talking to people, some say FI, some say carb, some say edlebrock heads, some say AFR, some say edlebrock cam, some say Motorsport e303. I guess i am just askin for people who have around that much HP to tell me what their setup is, how they like it, how it runs, and how much it costs. Any help is greatly appreciated.

If I might add....
 

And maybe the experts here could suggest a place or places to purchase the goods to make the "dream" happen??? I'm sure there's a million stores to choose from...... but there has't to be some favourites out there among'st you..... :).......

In the meantime I'll be doing some reading on where to start and increasing horsepower........

Check out the Speed Secrets posted by jim_howard_pdx. You will get a LOT of info from them. From what I gather this guy is a pro and really knows his stuff.

On that note I'd like to add to Vaquero's and Longball's request:

Are there any good online references for the basics of engine buildup/rebuilding? Something with checklists, techniques, etc.

Thanks,

Rich D.

Ebay is the only place to get stang parts in my opinion.

I dont have much money in my ride thanks to ebay.

my combination
 

I have the mods in my sig. I went the Edelbrock way, fuel injected. There are many other cams on the market now that out perform the Ford alphabet cams. I love the way my motor performs though. But I'm naturally aspirated so I'm only making around 320hp probably. A long ways away from 400-425. If I could do it all over again I'd definitely go with the AFR heads though. They make gobs of power. Not sure if they will give you the horsepower #s that you are looking for though...maybe if you stroked it?? Good luck.

400-425 is a lot of N/A horsepower from 302 cubic inches.
Anyways, AFR 185's or a well ported set of aluminum heads, 10:1 or more compression, a custom cam (forget about making 400hp N/A with an E303 cam), vic jr intake and a Biggs 650 Holley, 1 3/4" headers and a boatload of other stuff to tie it all together. You'll probably need a pro to set it up to get the results you want out of it.

I actually have a pro that is helping me set it up. He has a 302 with a 347 stroker in it and he makes 585 HP at the wheels (i was there when he dyno'ed it). With NO blower. He has also put about 12,000 bucks in it. He was telling me what i would need to make around 425. He said AFR 205's or 185's, victor jr intake, holley 750 carb and would send it to some guy that builds carbs for NASCAR, and the F303 cam. Those and longer rods, and putting a girdle on it, with 4 bolt mains , and a 10:1 ratio. I was just checkin to see if anyone thought the same things he did. Thanks for your help.

4 bolt mains? An R302 block is way overkill for 400hp (I can't think of any other 4 bolt main blocks for a 302 other than the dart and the A4). I don't think the F303 cam would cut it either.

Re: Rebuilding a 302
 

I have a mustang racecar. email me for a 302 parts list.....
aamericanfence@yahoo.com

Re: Rebuilding a 302
 

Ummm.....This thread is 2 1/2 years old :confused: :confused:

Re: Rebuilding a 302
 

Maybe he's almost finished by now !!!!