what do you guys think of the ford 302? I have a chance to buy a running one for cheap but I'm not familiar with this engine, is it reliable? I wanna use it for my 36 ford 3w, let me know what you think about it does anyone also have pics of a dressed up 302 or on a hot rod????. or Should I simply run a 350 or 327 ??? just trying to get a few ideas n hambers input thanks
302,s are just as if not more reliable as a chevmotor i am running three of em very reliable and maintanence free if you maintain em sorry dont have any pics but even early 289 hop up stuff bolts up to em like finned valve covers 2four manifolds all kinds of things ,, besides theres something about keepin a ford in a ford ,, justmy 2 cents worth
302 's are great powerplants. The 5.0L mustangs used them with great success for years. I'm a huge fan. Actually I'm building a car for the SEMA show right now and i'm going with the tride and true 5.0L roller. The build thread is on here; http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549153 They are easily able to get in the 350-450 H.P. range depending on what parts and money you want to spend heads wise. Good work, you'll love it.
stuff like this happens when your 302 has a little to much HP..uhhhh i think were going a little to fast...oh well to late! very dependable engines and will make nice power.
The 302 is a very good engine! You wont regret it at all unless you would like to be like everyone else, and run a small block chevy, which is like ex wifes, everybody has one! I think its a great choice, but thats just me. I have had a small block ford since i was 16 and never ever regreted it!
Run the 302. I just picked up a 66 289 with a holley and finned valve covers, now i just need the 36 coupe to put it in!
Had a 302 on my old 53 pickemup, never failed me. I have a nice edlebrock intake and a rebuilt carter carb I never got a chance to put in it. yours for 150$
I only got one car that doesnt have a windsor in it! Theres plenty of threads here on em if you search.
I got 4 roller motors.. One of those is the '95 5.8L Lightning windsor in my o/t '91 pony car. One's in my '96 F-150 that needs to be replaced and 2 short blocks on the engine stands...
302 ford motors are great i love them and also you said your building a 36 ford would hate to see a chevy in there..ford in a ford the only way to go for me.
I have several 302's in my classic cars and they are very reliable and can make good horsepower at a low price.My current 302 dynoed 388 hp and is a daily driver. My other car (pictured) had a blown 302 and never a problem.
Great reliable engines,plenty of stuff available for them. My 289 with Cal Custom valve covers.Bit of a tight fit in a '29 A though!
When I was in High School I ordered a brand new '78 Mustang II 302 4-speed. I still own the car (40,000 miles) and with the 302 modified, I went through 6 transmissions and 2 rear ends but never broke the motor! The 302 is one tuff cookie in my book. (But that 4-speed was a pile of shit.)
One of my DD is a f150 with a roller 302 and 188,000 miles on it. Runs like a clock. No smoke, no rattles unless it sits for more than 2 months and then it clacks a little till the oil distributes. Still makes great power and still starts every time the first time.
I'm no expert, but I'm going to run a 302 in my Topolino altered. It's expensive, but you could run Hilborn efi for the street (I'm told you'd have to be nuts to run mechanical for street applications). http://www.hilborninjection.com/product.asp?Id=365&CatId=176
It's not a 36 Ford, but I think it's one of the nicest looking 289/302 engines on the HAMB: It belongs to Kustom Komet in his Comet wagon.
The only boring SBC would be the one that you own. Why don't we all pull our heads out of our asses and answer the OPs question? 302s can be as dependable as a hammer. I can't say anything about the one that you found as I like the rest of the people posting here know nothing about it. It could be wore slap out for all we know. They made a wide range of Hp from the factory, Ford used them for a long time in everything from grocery getter wagons to Mustang Cobras. No way to answer that HP question for you. Anyway they are good engines in general and make good powerplants for a hot rod. There is no logical reason that they don't get used more than they do, hop up parts are as available for them as they are for an SBC if you know where to look.
i agree with pork nbeaner the are a good motors not my choice but thats just my 2 cents i,m not a it must be a ford in a ford or chevy in a chevy guy but if it,s in good shape and you like it use it
I suggest you pick up the book "How to Build a Ford Small Block." Very informative book to determine the specifics. Not all 289 an 302 are the same. There are some year specific items. Example. Pre 69 had a 3 bolt crank balancer. Which changed to a 4 bolt in 70. The 5.0 has a 351w firing order. 5.0 L engines are balanced different from all other Ford engines...Excluding the y block. The Stock horse power...that really depends on the year used. 68 302 4 had 290 hp. Porting out a set of heads or adding aluminums will bring the hp up very quickly. Also a big draw back to early 289 and 302 are the small exhuast ports and hardened exhaust seats. Taking a set of E7 (1987 and up ) 5.0 heads with some mild porting on the exhuast side will save you a ton of cash. Not to mention a hassle free valve train.
Heres my 5.0 t. 1985 Roller engine, motorsport x cam, edelbrock dual quads. C4 transmission. More power than I will ever need in this light car. Putting a 89 5.0 in my 46 Ford Tudor project too. Don
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