Hey, I am currently in the process of restoring my classic 67 Coug and I am in need some engine building advice. I'm only 19 years old and have limited experience with ford engines. I bought a 302 engine pulled from a 68 cougar a couple years ago and recently broke the engine down. It is a Mexican code 302, which I've found to be a stronger and better block to start with. I verified the bore was stock by checking the rod bearings and seeing the STD(standard) print on them. So I have a good start, but Im not sure where to go from here. Of course the standard machining will need to be done on the block, but I am lost as to what cam I should buy. I want my engine to sound stout and have great power (350ish). Any suggestions to what combo of intake, carb, headers, cam, pistons, even possibly rods(not sure if the stock will hold up?). I am just a naive kid with a cool car. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

it may be wise to pick a vendor like Comp Cams or Edelbrock someone with a technical support line, call them up and talk to one of their techs, tell them exactly what you told us, 350 horse power is very reasonable, (I am assuming on pump gas, and not nitrus turbo super charger gimicks)

and get one of their complete kits so that you are not piece mealing your setup, in other words their kit will tell you what cam to use with what lifters what push rods, etc, so you won't be buying each piece separately and dealing with fitment or copatability issues

you may pay more for the products but the technical help before you buy, and after you buy, during your build may be worth the extra $$$

being a young man you probably grew up with a computer in the house so google these companies and visit their websites then pretend to order their kits just to get an idea of whats out there, Summit Racing is like the Walmart of car parts to visit their website for ideas too, just to see what is out there

I usually google "product a vs _________ " and let google fill in the rest that will give me an idea what the competition is and then I research it

no shame in calling these guys and asking if they can help you, I would make 2 or 3 calls before pulling out my wallet

 

Greg said it right. 350 HP is a good range for a 302 and is easily reachable.

What's your budget for starters?

Comp Cams is a great company from what I hear. From what I've heard, and what Greg mentioned, it sounds like a quick call, mentioning your needs and your budget, and they'll have it worked out for ya! Can't go wrong there I guess!

I didn't go that route cause I'm a cheap *** and can't afford many new parts.

 

My budget for the engine is around 1500 to 1800 for all work and parts. Is this a reasonable budget for my expectations?

 

I think its going to be tough to get 350hp with that budget..For that amount of money you are probably looking at a very stock type rebuild..What heads are you planning on running?..The top end is basically what makes your power...The heads,cam,intake and carb all have to be a package that works together..

Also you cannot assume the bore of the block is stock because the crank is standard size..The bore will have to be measured..

 

I forgot to mention that I took the old rings to the machine shop and was told that they are from the standard bore.