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Author Topic: 302 questions  (Read 14442 times)

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Offline dave1987

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302 questions
« on: December 15, 2011, 05:36:13 PM »
I'm looking for a 302 motor to start rebuilding, but need to start SOMEWHERE instead of just dreaming about it. This swap will be in honor of Jeff Fitcher and my father (who's dream has always been to put a V8 in my 78)

I am not planning on anything high performance, and I don't plan on anything crazy, just want to build up a mild 302 from the ground up; meaning I will be building a 302 gradually, starting with a block, get it bored out to a standard 30 over, then get a set of new forged pistons and rods, finding a used but good condition crank and have it line milled and polished, then start adding things like the oil pump, freeze plugs, water pump, thermostat, etc...
 
 Then will come the heads. Hopefully I can find some heads in good shape that won't require much to be usable and I can just grind the valves by hand (I like doing things old school), replace the springs and valve stem seals, find someone with a good used mild cam followers.
 
 I am hoping for an end result similar to my 78's current 2.3 4cyl which was rebuilt similarly, but with the original crank, block, head and rods with everything else being new. It runs great, doesn't burn oil, doesn't leak, and it has some get up and go, runs smoothly like a new motor should.

This will all be done on a tight budget and may take a couple years to finish, but the end result will be nice, knowing I've done pretty much everything (minus the machine work) myself, knowing what's gone into and touched the motor from start to finish.
 
 Not only will spanning this motor build out be soft on my finances, it will also give me time to obtain a Mustang II oil pan and pickup tube, as well as some nice used headers or stock Mustang II manifolds and motor mounts (if at all possible). Also, by the time the 302 is done, I should have my 07 Saturn paid off and be able to afford the SS Cragars or Ansen Sprints that will accent the attitude of the new motor!

Adding sub frame connectors will be done before the V8 is dropped into place, as well as replacing the radiator and adding an electric fan.
 


So, is there a specific block I should be looking for, or will any 302 work?

For a mild 302 build (street rod), do I need to match the block with heads?

For the transmission, will the C4 from an early 2.0 be okay behind the motor? I have a spare one with bad clutch packs that I am rebuilding which I hope to use behind the V8 with a Mustang II bell housing.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

RSM

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2011, 05:50:07 PM »
If you had the funds I have a 347 shortblock and a built C4 just sitting here I don't really need. If you can find a Mustang II engine/transmission would be the answer to your problems. It would give you what you need. The C4 you have would work with a good rebuild and the correct bell. The 2.0 transmission would have a lower first gear I believe. Any 302 would be good to use.

Offline dave1987

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2011, 06:00:43 PM »
how about my idea for buying any good candidate block and then locating heads later? From what I understand, heads can be swapped without issue, but I want to be sure I'm not making the build harder than it has to be. I am also considering buying a complete 302 from the junk yard and then doing a rebuild and locating the correct oil pan & pickup combo and manifolds.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline Bigtimmay

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2011, 06:57:35 PM »
Id say best motor to look for would be a 87-93 stang (roller block stock forged pistons) or 86-92 Lincoln Mark VII (roller and was the HO version).   Also another good 302 would be the GT40P 302 in the late 90's explorers only problem i see with them is I dont know if stock pinto headers would work on the GT40P heads. But on the plus side is they are one of the best heads you can get stock for a 302 next to the 93 cobra GT40 heads.
1978 Mercury Bobcat 2.3t swapped.Always needs more parts!

Offline dave1987

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2011, 07:19:19 PM »
So with some searching, I can get a Mustang II 302 V8 in Idaho for $650, notes are it runs good with 150 comp. Or I can jump next door to Oregon and get a Mustang II 302 V8 with 29k miles on it for $450 (no notes on compression). Neither notes whether or not the oil pan is still on it or not. Manifolds not included, but available elsewhere.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline Bigtimmay

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2011, 09:36:09 PM »
When I look at motors if they are complete and I plan on just using it and not opening it up and rebuilding it right away I always wanna hear it run for myself.
Also when I go look at a motor and the persons like it was just rebuilt but can't produce any kind of receipt that proves what they are saying that's also a deal breaker. Anyone can clean up motor slap some paint and maybe a few gaskets then say something is rebuilt Ive seen people try this tactic! An well in my opinion its horrible!
As for 400-650 for a stock 302 that's ridiculous if that's the going price around you stockers can be picked up for a couple hundred round here junkyard motors for prolly 100-150.
1978 Mercury Bobcat 2.3t swapped.Always needs more parts!

Offline Reeves1

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2011, 09:38:25 PM »
If you had the funds I have a 347 shortblock and a built C4 just sitting here I don't really need. If you can find a Mustang II engine/transmission would be the answer to your problems. It would give you what you need. The C4 you have would work with a good rebuild and the correct bell. The 2.0 transmission would have a lower first gear I believe. Any 302 would be good to use.

Dave....if you work the numbers, this is a good deal !

Offline fast64ranchero

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Re: 302 questions
« Reply #7 on: December 16, 2011, 08:21:32 AM »
If your not in a hurry, do as BigTimmay stated, find a 86 up stock mustang roller cam engine, the blocks are hard and most likely will not need to be bored, and came with forged pistons till 91 or so the went to Hypernutectics (sorry spelling) you have the added bonus of a hyd. roller cam.   I know your on a budget, so keep this in mind, you can use a standard Ford front sump oil pan, and a standard 157 tooth bellhousing, with just slight mods..... you don't have to come up with the Mustang II stuff.
the Pinto C-4 has lighter duty internal parts, I'd either upgrade the drums in it, or find a C-4 out of a V-8.
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