Thanks for all the previous info. I got some great ideas on rebuilding my 302 for my 65 coupe and have been doing some more reading. I think I have decided to get an Edlebrock top end kit and just rebuild what I have. The question I have now is a stroker kit is less so would it be better to get the hp from the top end kit or the stroker kit? I really don't need 400+ hp. I am learning.
Thanks

 

A stroker kit with stock top end is a complete waste. A basic rebuild with some good rods and pistons and the Eddy top end kit will make a lot more power and run better than a 347 kit with stock heads etc.

I would recommend getting the roller cam option though, too many issues with flat tappets and current oils, and rollers will make more power and get better mileage.

 

Hmm it would be really hard for me to not do both. If im rebuilding the motor anyways I would stroke it. It will payoff big when you get a top end kit later.

I was in a similar position not to long ago and ended up buying a complete 347 shortblock on craigslist for 2k and building the rest myself

 

I agree.......

 

Very helpful. Thanks for all the info. I'm getting there little by little. You seem to be very knowledgeable so why did you choose to stay with the 302 instead of starting with a 351? I have a 302 in it now and have spent way too much money on this car and am trying to get the most bang for the buck now. I would appreciate your insight.

 

Thanks. You posted on my other thread with some good info. I found a 347 on Ebay with supposedly less than 100 actual miles since rebuild. Last time I checked the bid was $1600 but the engine had no guarantee and this scares me. The rip-off rate, speaking from my own experience, in the car restoration world seems to be over the top, so I stayed away from it. My car is restored, but I have spent or lost over $15,000 in this car due to bad decisions in dealing with people. Once the money exchanges hands-tough. Maybe I am being to synical. I have searched the internet for info and found many builders that build crate engines for not a lot but the feedback is not very good on some like Phoenix and Tuff Dawg. I just looked at Summit Racing's 347 crate and the price and warranty seemed very good. I am stuck at a crossroad and maybe being too cautious at this point. This forum is great since it comes from everyone's actual experince and their love for their cars.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions

 

Just getting into all this after many years out. Is your engine a stroked 351?

 

Yes it is..For a 65 coupe it is a little easier to fit the 8.2 deck block(289/302) as it is shorter and narrower..I would be very leery of buying a used motor or ebay special..Like you said there will be no warranty and you don't know what kind of parts or quality of machining was used when it was built..If you aren't shooting for more than 400hp a 302 would probably be just fine for you..A stroker will make more torque at a lower rpm so it is easier to make it more streetable if your going after big power..Take a look at this guys stuff..He has a huge following on another site and I have bought some probe rockers from him..
http://www.fordstrokers.com/

 

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look. I know from my company that word of mouth is the best advertisement you can get. Have a good day.

 

Ive heard nothing but good things from fordstrokers.com. On the subject of stroking it or not. If your like any other car nut, a year or two from now youll be driving your 302 with the top end kit and thinking to yourself "man, I should have stroked it". I rebuilt my 5.0 and put about 2,000 miles on it before i purchased my 347 shortblock.