RPM's
 

Ok just got a 1988 mustang lx. it has a 302 engine. bored 0.030 over. and it has 11 to 1 compresion. would the 11 to 1 compresion make it redline alot sooner. The shift lite was set for about 4000 rpms by the previous owner. Also what would be a good rear end beacuse right now its got the origanal 4 cylinder rearend in it. This guy i know has a 9 inch rear end out of a lincoln or mercury. he said to check the forums to see what other people would recomend Thanks for your time

RE: RPM's
 

well it depends...is the top end built for high rpm use? does it have a new crank and rods, or just a bore and pistons? if so i wouldnt run it too high because you'll stress the crank too much and probably snap the crank or a rod...but if your talking in terms of power, where it tops off, the compression makes the power gains uniform for the most part...so rpm should be the problem for integrity reasons...as for the rear, grab the 9 inch...it has a lot more holding power, i think you got some weee little rear end out there right now, and your gear would depend on your set up...you looking power adder or just N/A?...probably somewhere around 4.11 N/A and a little lower power added...good luck

RE: RPM's
 

The previous owner was trying to prevent his rear end from blowing out with the 4k shift light. The cam and heads have more to do with redline than the compression ratio. Higher compression is more efficient, and will produce more power. You need to know how the engine's built before you go out and try to find the redline....which is either determined by the strength of the bottom end or the power band.

With most 302's, an 8" is plenty strong. An 8.8" would be easier to find since that's what came in that car anyway. If you can't find one used, or just want a bullet proof rear, contact Currie Enterprises.

RE: RPM's
 

Get in touch with previous owner and find out exactly what he did to it, because that will be your starting point for everything that you do to it. As for rear end, get 8.8", 9" is stronger but you wont need it with NA 302.

On a different note, if you want EFI or digital ignition check out Megasquirt and Megajolt, google it out or let me know if you have trouble finding sites. Its how to bring your ride to 21st century for around 300 bucks.