Mac88GT

I know this has been gone over numerous times, but it is all still new to me and I want to have a thread specific to my intentions. I am installing a set of gt40p heads on my otherwise stock 302. It is the HO motor so it has the HO cam in it with the hydraulic lifters. I am also swapping out the upper and lower intake with the one I have on the same Explorer engine I am pulling the heads off of. So having done some research on this I tend to run into A LOT of conflicting information and all of it seems to be from around 3-4 years ago. I already have the Explorers engine with everything still attached... like alternator, a/c pump, etc etc.. including the TB, Headers, etc. I planned on using the headers, the push rods, etc, and buying new valve springs and lifters (lifters due to a possible issue with the current ones in the original Mustang 302). Valve springs because everyone seems to think they will be too weak. I am just looking for someone to point me in the right direction on this. I am not building a "Monster" or a "race car". This thing is going to be all street with a little more pep in her step. I am limited on budget for now, but eventually down the road will upgrade to aluminum heads, new cam etc. I want to just get the best out of a stock cam, with the gt40 heads, etc. What would you do if you went this way? What valve springs, Hydraulic lifters etc? Should I keep the push rods that come with the gt40p heads off the explorer, or replace them with the ones out of the Stang? Both engines have comparable mileage, 109k on the 1988 fox body and 115k on the 97 Explorer. I keep reading that stock headers will fit with a little switch up of the plug wires and/or shorty plugs.. I'll mess with that when the time comes. First things first is getting this thing back together in proper running condition.

mjr46

http://www.alexsparts.com/sb-ford-gt...it-hyd-roller/

Mac88GT

I had found those earlier as well.. Ty for responding and sending me the link.. I'll go ahead and go with those. Everything else should work fine right? Should I use the push rods from the Mustang or the ones that are on the Explorer?

Do you think updating the rockers will be necessary or a good upgrade?

dawson1112

If your keeping the stock cam in the mustang engine you should be able to use the stock push rods and rockers. You will still be wise to check piston to valve clearance , but it should be good as long as nobody has ever had the heads milled.

Mac88GT

I'll still check it, but everything has always been stock in this car from what the guy had told me. I will eventually go after market on everything like a better cam, aluminum heads, new lifters and rockers etc.. This is my first Mustang so it's all new to me. Learned how to drive in an 89 5.0 GT and so the fox body's will always hold nostalgic value to me.

mjr46

stock mustang push rods should be fine, if you decide to go with pedastal roller rockers, it's a good idea when setting up to verify geometry.

64bit

This spring kit is probably one of the most affordable setups I have ever seen. The FMS spring kit for the "letter cams" will easily run $200-$250 for all the same parts.

However, since you are upgrading to a stronger spring, you stock pushrods MIGHT not be adequate. I have seen stock pushrods bend with even the FMS springs.