I would like some opinions on the following:

I love the space that the 302 gives me under the hood, so I dont want to go up any bigger with the engine block size. I believe I could get just as much power out of my 302 as a bigger engine does! That being said what are the things that I would need to upgrade to experience that power boost?

Everything on the car is original from the factory, except a A/C unit was added (probably at the dealership).

Currently under the hood is a '69 302 V8 2 bbl. All factory parts.

Thanks for any input, Joe

P.S- I would love to have that "whoopin" sound you get from a Hugh Cam when your sitting at a stoplight : )

 

http://www.airflowresearch.com/artic...le087/A-P1.htm

^ is a very nice setup... I'm converting my 289 into a 302 and I am going to use this setup.. or you can always get a stroker kit. if you really want to bump it up a 50 - 100HP shot of NOS (w/ forged and required parts) would be nice and safe.. and if that isn't getting the power you want to the wheels and AOD transmission conversion would also be nice.. or an even better Gear Vendors applacation to the c4/c6 if you want more to the wheels.. but it's expensive compared to the AOD

 

400 HP from a 302 would definitely be respectable!
The engine builds a lot at higher RPMs so you would need a pretty steep rear end gear to use the revs and a single or double overdrive transmission to make it streetable.

 

Yeah thats why I like GearVendors over the AOD for much more than 360hp the GV unit adds an overdrive to each gear so it's a close ratio 6speed semi-auto shift... and can be turned into a 4speed (3speed w/ 1 final overdrive) regular auto at the flip of a switch

Good to see these ole modified pushroders can still keep up with these new 302s and their DOHC variable cam timing setups.. and that also brings me to question.. has anyone tried to put the new 5.0 or even better the new boss302 engine into a classic body? that would be interesting

 

If you want to stay stock looking I would say stroke the original engine to 331 or 347, you could have the stock heads ported and polished to breathe better but for not much more you can get a decent set of alum. heads that will out do the worked originals and be lighter like the AFR's linked above. I went this route and painted the alum. heads and 289 block Ford blue to make it 'appear' stockish. Depending on accessory parts used (heads, intake, headers, etc.) you can take your original 200hp to 300 - 400hp pretty easily.

While a tall lopey cam sounds good at a stop light they make for a less enjoyable DD or cruiser. I'd listen to a few peoples cars at cruise ins/ shows and find out what they like / dislike about thier cam choice.
Jon

 

Thanks everyone for your opinion's. I guess there is quite a bit you really can do with a good 302. Also Jon, good point on the tall cam. I didn't realize their not a first choice for a cruiser. Good idea listening to others first. That could save a big headache, after spending the money!

Thanks again,
-Joe