Heres the thing,.... when you compare 302 base motors to 351 base motors.
First you need to ask yourself...
The 302 base motor...
Were you going to replace the oil pan, headers, intake, dist. and point on an aftermarket hood on any way????
If so... then you might as well go with a 351 based motor for the simple fact at that point it's not that much more $$ if any.
The 351 base motor will make more power and easier. The 351 production blocks are typically stronger... when comparing them against the production 302 base motors.
Your still spending alot of though... But typically, when finished 408+ cubic inch motors run in the 10's in N/A trim with a hyd roller cam on pump gas!!!!
Mine did.
(leaving at idle too!)
Very streetable. But I spent well over $10,000.
I say if you can stay in the 11's and just have people spot you out enough in a strret race, you can win just as many races and keep all that extra money that you were going to spend on the car for extra tires!
If you can stay in the 11's and keep your 302 base motor, your cost would go down signfitcatley!
My.02's