hi i'm new to the forum. well heres my question i am swapping a ford v8 in my rx7 what engine should i choose 302 or 351. I dont need a crazy amount of power. But it will have to take a beating and be carburated i here older is better power wise. Also whats the difference with the 4 and 5 speeds besides number of gears

 

The 302 is lighter and can be stroked to 347 cubes pretty readily. The 351 can be stroked out well beyond 400 cubes, but weighs a little more than the 302. For a car like the RX, you'll probably want the lighter package.

5-speeds generaly have overdrive, where 4-speeds don't. The toploader 4-speed is probably stronger than most 5-speeds you can afford.

 

The 302 would probably be a better pick, more available parts, its narrower than the 351, and can make about 500hp, and theres still tons of carbeurated stuff available for it.
-P.

 

Don't rule out an LS1 swap..

if yorue interested, i know a guy who is currently swapping a T-56 and a LS1 into a '89? i think RX7

back on topic though, i would think a 302 would be an easier build, much more availability in parts and easier to work on and such