how many horses will a production 302 block stand?

Stang_ROTY · 11-07-2001, 07:14 PM

I would have to agree with Chris. I wouldn't push it too much. The 2-bolt main plus the thin main caps (at least when compared to a 351) made me think twice before dumping 7K into an engine. But, on the other hand, I read the HotRod issue where they got 800HP out of a stock 302 on the dyno........at least for a few runs. It's hard to hold them together becuase of the crank tending to walk a little. That's why most companies make main cap girdles,right? At least that's what I've been told. Plus, I think it's always a good idea to ask these people if the engine had a tranny and drivetrain hooked up to it when they get these astronomical numbers. I would imagine (maybe someone could comment on this) that a full drivetrain must put some type of physical load pressure on an engine. Plus, let's think about the Ford factory in Dearborn for a minute. If they pumped out blocks that are capable of 500+ horse for a 100K miles why would they build them at under 300hp? As the other guy suggested maybe you should think about a 4 bolt main 302 or a 2 bolt main 351 w/ main cap girdle.

I would have to say it's probably not a great idea, at least not without a stronger block.

Take care,
-Chris

[/B][/QUOTE]

------------------
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Red 1993 GT
1969 351 block w/393 stroker. Edlebrock Performer heads and Performer RPM EFI, FRPP 30lb injectors & Cartech fuel system. JMS chip & MSD ignition.
Dynamic Roller Myte C4, 8 pt cage, Sothside Machine bars & Sub-frames, adj. upper's, 3.73's, Koni rear shocks

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11-07-2001, 07:14 PM	#1
Stang_ROTY Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Berkshire County - Massachusetts Posts: 735	I would have to agree with Chris. I wouldn't push it too much. The 2-bolt main plus the thin main caps (at least when compared to a 351) made me think twice before dumping 7K into an engine. But, on the other hand, I read the HotRod issue where they got 800HP out of a stock 302 on the dyno........at least for a few runs. It's hard to hold them together becuase of the crank tending to walk a little. That's why most companies make main cap girdles,right? At least that's what I've been told. Plus, I think it's always a good idea to ask these people if the engine had a tranny and drivetrain hooked up to it when they get these astronomical numbers. I would imagine (maybe someone could comment on this) that a full drivetrain must put some type of physical load pressure on an engine. Plus, let's think about the Ford factory in Dearborn for a minute. If they pumped out blocks that are capable of 500+ horse for a 100K miles why would they build them at under 300hp? As the other guy suggested maybe you should think about a 4 bolt main 302 or a 2 bolt main 351 w/ main cap girdle. I would have to say it's probably not a great idea, at least not without a stronger block. Take care, -Chris [/B][/QUOTE] ------------------ Just need the sticker! Red 1993 GT 1969 351 block w/393 stroker. Edlebrock Performer heads and Performer RPM EFI, FRPP 30lb injectors & Cartech fuel system. JMS chip & MSD ignition. Dynamic Roller Myte C4, 8 pt cage, Sothside Machine bars & Sub-frames, adj. upper's, 3.73's, Koni rear shocks