nemethjames1

i got a grand or so and a fairly stock 302 with 165k... what should i do? heads? diff block? intake??? any thoughts?

roundman

$1000 doesn't go far these days, you will need more than that to really do much as far as new heads go. if the bottom end is still solid and you have good oil pressure, do a compression check of all the cylinders. If they're all within 10-15% of each other, than you might want to invest in a new intake for better breathing and some more power.
you can also do nothing now and save up some more cash and then consider a re-build of the motor with new bearings, pistons, cam, etc but you need more dough for this work.

SpeedRicer

do that, save up for a stroker or somethin. with 165k on the motor, i wouldn't look to add too much power to it. the second you start messing with an old motor like that, **** will happen. just save up and rebuild.

TheGmKiller331

Yeah hell the machine work will cost you close to a grand.

Save and baby that old thing until you got enough to do it right.

71455olds

gears & exhaust the gears will make the car feel 50 hp stronger off the line & dont mess with the motor I have 191k on my motor runs great I figure when it goes I will spend the cash no reason to rush her death.

nemethjames1

im doing all the work my self, just need to buy the parts... my friend has a machine shop and i got a small shop with a lift and all the tools i'll need... so all labor is free.... and i already have 373's and headers/free flow cats/h pipe/straight pipe.... in about a month i'll be getting another grand, that leaves me right around 2k... is that enough to start? would a new intake make a change? i want to get trick flow heads... is this a mistake? or are there better ones out there for the price and performance? any inputs would be helpful... thanks.....

Milky

Id get an engine overhaul done on it so you know the engine is running to its potential, change all your fluids, gaskets and replaceables of course and go for it. I think miles kill other things on the car (joints and pivot points and the tranny) than the engine itself...
AFR165 or 185 heads and tfs track heat intake will give you at least 100hp from stock.

vfast

I would fine another block and just strat building while enjoying the car..check with your local machine job they might have a block that someone couldn't pay for the work and you pay the bill and get the block for FREE!..then buy a kit from DSS the pro lite assy.

roundman

wish I had a friend with a machine shop! do have a buddy with a 3000 sq ft garage though and he has a real nice lift in it too. if your friend will give you a discount on his labor, why don't you look for a used block or engine that could use a rebuild and put this together with new bearings, etc. and leave yours alone for the time being. some versions of Trick Flow heads have raised exhaust ports and the headers you have now might not fit, so check before you buy or you'll need new headers too. if you just did a good rebuild on a stock motor and could re-use the pistons and heads with the proper machine work and a good valve job, you might get by for the 2 grand you say you're going to have. a fresh stock 5.0 is still a potent street motor! maybe your friend with the shop will let you work off some of the labor to do the machining for you. I like to see someone not afraid to put some sweat equity into a project!