hotrod54ford

I am currently building a 54 Ford Coupe. It is a frame off build and I am getting ready to purchase a motor. I have decided on a 302 since I already have an AOD and a mount kit to fit it into my car. Also I would like fuel injection. Not to mention I have always loved the 5.0 gurgly exhaust sound! It is a pretty good sized car and I want a reliable streetable engine in it. I am new to Fords and thus have alot of questions. I am looking for around 300 to 350HP or so. Is this possible and what mods will I need to accomplish this?? I plan on getting a running take out motor and rebuilding it, so internal changes like a cam or windage trays and such are not a problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW...Headers will be space limited so I will be stuck with shorties.
Also plan on removing all of the smog equipment if possible!

WHat is the stock HP of a FI 302??
What is the best years to look for??



Thanks in advance guys!!

OneGearhead

for performance, you want an '89-'92 302. 1) has mass-air and 2) those years have the forged bottom end. now, are you wanting to stay n/a, or do you want forced induction. either way, 300-350hp is NOT a problem for a 302. "no replacement for displacement". you can always up the displacement. thats not a problem. get a good set of heads, and intake manifold, along w/ a cam, some roller rockers, upgraded valves and valve springs. maybe up the compression a lil bit if youre gonna stay n/a, if not, keep the compression low. either way, GO FORGED !!!! a good exhaust system is a must too. and since youre goin w/ an automatic, a shift kit and id say a good 3000-3200 stall wouldnt hurt a bit either. and definitely put some gears in the rear. you going w/ a 8.8" or a 9" ? the 8.8's are stout, just, the 9's can take more abuse/power. good luck w/ the build. any more questions, just ask.

bigopimp

or just get a 5.0 block and get the trick flow kit 350 hp from a 306.

stangcrazy

I was writing down what i would like my engine in my car to be and hopefully start working on it here it is and maybe it will help you with some ideas.

347 stroker kit
185cc AFR heads
gt40 intake...with later addition of a Blowzilla
75mm throttle body
90mm mass air
42 lbs injectors

not to sure on cam yet but i am sure someone would have a good idea what would run right in that setup

roundman

check out www.fordracing.com/performanceparts before you do anything else
Ford has lots of crate engines which are relatively cheap and could save you lots of time in the long run.
I would seriously consider going with a 5.8L 351 considering how heavy those old Fords are, but that's up to you.
One Ford crate 5.8L with the GT40 heads is rated at 360 HP and 400 ft-lbs. torque with a 780 cfm Holley carb. part# M-6007-C351R or E351R depending on which water pump drive you want. the hot ticket 351 based crate motor is the 392" rated for 430 HP and 450 ft-lbs torque with a 750 Holley carb. Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords dynoed this motor and got 385 HP out of it straight out of the crate!

vfast

a 351 is the ticket....just going with some afr 185's a small roller cam with a tight c/l will get the ole sled rolling.. sounds like a cool project

Lizardking50

Like someone else said, the best year is probably 89-92. and its claimed output is 225 hp i believe. I don't know much about the different manufacturers, but cylinder heads, upper and lower intake, and full exhaust should put you over 300.

OneGearhead

id take Roundman's and vfast ideas. just get a 351. either stroke it to like a 408 with heads and all normal stuff, or, just get a crate motor from Ford. either way, have fun. sounds like a helluva project

Lizardking50

Do 351s come FI? None do that I know of. Also, stroking is a waste of money if you're only looking for 300-350 hp. Come on people, he asked for advice on a 5.0!

hotrod54ford

I was looking at the 302 since it came fuel injected. I dont want to fool with carbs at all! Not to mention I dont have to purchase all of the FI components if I get a used engine.

I originally was looking at a 351 but I had trouble finding a injected one. The car weighs in around 3600 lbs or so. Cost is an issue since I have alot more than an engine to work on.

I will be using a 8.8 since I already have a cobra trac-loc with a R&P too!