302 rebuild

need to rebuild the tired 302 in my 55 f100. any good ideas on internals, etc. my goal is a daily driver with a little oomph for p***ing & acceleration. maybe a mild cam, 30 over bore, etc. any help will be appreciated. thanks.

 

be sure to use a Melling oil pump

 

With a hardend shaft! I'd go for 9:1 & around a 260 advertised RV cam or Edelbrock performer cam, carb & intake. .030 is all you'd want to do. Good double roller timing chain, busted chains on a 302 are rough on valves.

 

That's funny.

 

Time to upgrade to a 351-W if you want more oomph and it will bolt right in.

 

I would recommend this cam it is a copy of a Ford Motorsports grind that was a hydraulic version of the 289 HP grind.289-302 Fords suffer from poor exhaust flow in the heads so this will help overcome some of that by the increased exhaust duration it offers.It will work well in your truck as it has strong bottom end and mid-range power,go to www.summitracing.com and look for part# SUM-K-3600 (you will like the price too) I am running an RPM intake and a 625 Carter Comp series(have extra one for sale) here is a pic of my 302.

 

Edelbrock 2122 cam with 351 heads. Barry Grant 575 carb.

 

What combo do you have now? If you don't have a roller cam block this is a good time to upgrade. What kind of a budget are you looking at? GT40 heads off of a 1996 Explorer 5.0 are a nice little streetable upgrade. An Edelbrock Performer or Weiand 8124 intake would work nice. What transmission do you have?

 

right now the 302 is a stock 88 roller motor. edelbrock performer manifold, edelbrock carb, aod ******. can't afford the new edelbrock street heads at 1500, but would be interested in some better flowing heads. thanks for your interest. Bob


wish I knew now what I thought I knew then

 

Look for a used set of GT-40 heads ( mid 90's cobra ). Or maybe the Exployer heads GT-40P

 

I used World products iron Windsor Jr's on my 66 Shelby. They seemed to work real well. Cheaper than the Edelbrocks and iron heads hold compression better.
Tri wye headers work well on a street SBF too.

 

can you tell me anything about the superiority of the explorer heads? flow, compression, etc. thanks a lot.

 

You have the basics for a good rebuild. The new Edelbrock E-street heads are only $921 at Summit and would be a nice upgrade. A 331 or 347 stroker kit would give you some much needed torque. My preference would probably be the 331 stroker with the GT40 iron Explorer heads. Should make a solid 300 HP with a mild cam, you don't want to overcam with a heavy truck as comapred to a lighter street rod.

 

1996 Explorer 5.0`s used the same GT-40`s that came on the 1993-1995 Mustang Cobra. 1997 they switched to the GT-40P`s,which are an overall better head. They have a slightly different combustion chamber design that changes the position of the spark plug,and you sometimes need a different header to use them...but most of the time you can get away with shorter plugs and different plug wire boots. The P`s do flow better,and make more power right off the bat. But with either one you would want to at the very least upgrade the valve springs,because those Explorers were never meant to revv past 5000 rpm at the very most.

 

Here's a comparism chart I found but without knowing if the were all on the same flow bench "buyer beware". I highlighted some pertinent heads. The 1996 -1997 GT40 Explorer heads are the same as the GT40 Cobra heads as far as flow.

<TABLE id=table9 cellSpacing=0 borderColorDark=#0066cc cellPadding=0 bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#0066cc border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>Head Type</TD><TD>Intake Valve</TD><TD>Exhaust Valve</TD><TD>Int .100</TD><TD>Int .200</TD><TD>Int .300</TD><TD>Int .400</TD><TD>Int .500</TD><TD>Int .600</TD><TD>Exh .100</TD><TD>Exh .200</TD><TD>Exh .300</TD><TD>Exh .400</TD><TD>Exh .500</TD><TD>Exh .600</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.3L Turbo</TD><TD>1.74</TD><TD>1.50</TD><TD>65.2</TD><TD>98.5</TD><TD>130.7</TD><TD>157.1</TD><TD>173.2</TD><TD> </TD><TD>60.7</TD><TD>87.5</TD><TD>108.8</TD><TD>127.5</TD><TD>140.2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>2.3 Pwrhead</TD><TD>1.88</TD><TD>1.59</TD><TD>78.3</TD><TD>118.7</TD><TD>161</TD><TD>201</TD><TD>222.5</TD><TD> </TD><TD>73.5</TD><TD>107</TD><TD>133.2</TD><TD>155.1</TD><TD>178.6</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>289 Hi Perf.</TD><TD>1.78</TD><TD>1.45</TD><TD>55.3</TD><TD>98.8</TD><TD>139.5</TD><TD>160.5</TD><TD>169.5</TD><TD>177</TD><TD>41.1</TD><TD>71.9</TD><TD>98.2</TD><TD>112.6</TD><TD>121</TD><TD>125.1</TD></TR><TR><TD>289 Standard</TD><TD>1.78</TD><TD>1.45</TD><TD>44.9</TD><TD>91.2</TD><TD>132.5</TD><TD>154.5</TD><TD>168</TD><TD>166.5</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>71.6</TD><TD>95.1</TD><TD>110.7</TD><TD>120.1</TD><TD>124.8</TD></TR><TR><TD>351C 2bbl</TD><TD>2.03</TD><TD>1.67</TD><TD>68.5</TD><TD>142.2</TD><TD>189</TD><TD>199.5</TD><TD>196.5</TD><TD>198</TD><TD>57.2</TD><TD>89.7</TD><TD>120.2</TD><TD>143.5</TD><TD>159.6</TD><TD>162.7</TD></TR><TR><TD>351C 4bbl</TD><TD>2.19</TD><TD>1.71</TD><TD>64.3</TD><TD>115.8</TD><TD>163.5</TD><TD>210</TD><TD>246</TD><TD>273.6</TD><TD>66.7</TD><TD>103.7</TD><TD>133.8</TD><TD>154.4</TD><TD>169</TD><TD>178.4</TD></TR><TR><TD>351C PwrHead</TD><TD>2.19</TD><TD>1.71</TD><TD>65.7</TD><TD>124</TD><TD>178.9</TD><TD>211.0</TD><TD>226.4</TD><TD> </TD><TD>54.6</TD><TD>87.3</TD><TD>124.2</TD><TD>155.1</TD><TD>168.5</TD><TD>180.2</TD></TR><TR><TD>351W 4bbl Ported</TD><TD>1.94</TD><TD>1.6</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>123</TD><TD>178</TD><TD>216</TD><TD>221</TD><TD>224</TD><TD>51.8</TD><TD>110</TD><TD>146</TD><TD>161</TD><TD>171</TD><TD>172</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.8L Coy Miller Stage 2</TD><TD>1.85</TD><TD>1.625</TD><TD>56.3</TD><TD>112.7</TD><TD>163.9</TD><TD>199</TD><TD>215.5</TD><TD>224.5</TD><TD>49.9</TD><TD>103.2</TD><TD>144</TD><TD>183.6</TD><TD>201.5</TD><TD>207.9</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.8L Supercharged</TD><TD>1.78</TD><TD>1.46</TD><TD>51.6</TD><TD>81.5</TD><TD>110.6</TD><TD>144.3</TD><TD>169.6</TD><TD>181</TD><TD>40.1</TD><TD>71.4</TD><TD>95.3</TD><TD>113.4</TD><TD>122.5</TD><TD>127.3</TD></TR><TR><TD>351W 4bbl 1969</TD><TD>1.84</TD><TD>1.54</TD><TD>58.7</TD><TD>105.6</TD><TD>152</TD><TD>171</TD><TD>181.5</TD><TD>189</TD><TD>51.8</TD><TD>90.4</TD><TD>106.8</TD><TD>112.9</TD><TD>114.8</TD><TD>115.4</TD></TR><TR><TD>AFR 165cc (Windsor)</TD><TD>1.90</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD> </TD><TD>123</TD><TD>186</TD><TD>225</TD><TD>250</TD><TD>250</TD><TD> </TD><TD>118</TD><TD>153</TD><TD>178</TD><TD>185</TD><TD>191</TD></TR><TR><TD>AFR 185cc (Windsor)</TD><TD>2.02</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD> </TD><TD>129</TD><TD>189</TD><TD>224</TD><TD>267</TD><TD>282</TD><TD> </TD><TD>118</TD><TD>153</TD><TD>178</TD><TD>185</TD><TD>191</TD></TR><TR><TD>Avenger (Windsor)</TD><TD>2.02</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>70.3</TD><TD>140.2</TD><TD>194.5</TD><TD>226.4</TD><TD>253</TD><TD>265.1</TD><TD>63.4</TD><TD>103.4</TD><TD>139.7</TD><TD>164.2</TD><TD>185.9</TD><TD>193</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brodix Neal 200</TD><TD>2.12</TD><TD>1.625</TD><TD> </TD><TD>121.1</TD><TD>188.4</TD><TD>251.2</TD><TD>302.6</TD><TD>329.7</TD><TD> </TD><TD>80.5</TD><TD>122.4</TD><TD>156.2</TD><TD>185.1</TD><TD>204.5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brodix Track 1</TD><TD>2.08</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>115</TD><TD>167</TD><TD>211</TD><TD>246</TD><TD>269</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>93</TD><TD>136</TD><TD>160</TD><TD>177</TD><TD>186</TD></TR><TR><TD>Canfield</TD><TD>2.05</TD><TD>1.69</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>142</TD><TD>202</TD><TD>250</TD><TD>286</TD><TD>312</TD><TD>76</TD><TD>137</TD><TD>185</TD><TD>210</TD><TD>230</TD><TD>243</TD></TR><TR><TD>World Windsor Sr.</TD><TD>2.02</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>61.7</TD><TD>125.1</TD><TD>163.1</TD><TD>198</TD><TD>220.1</TD><TD> </TD><TD>52</TD><TD>99.1</TD><TD>122</TD><TD>138.1</TD><TD>151</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>World Windsor Jr.</TD><TD>1.94</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>105</TD><TD>141</TD><TD>170</TD><TD>186</TD><TD>195</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>101</TD><TD>125</TD><TD>140</TD><TD>148</TD><TD>154</TD></TR><TR><TD>SVO E351</TD><TD>2.02</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD> </TD><TD>126</TD><TD>177</TD><TD>213</TD><TD>232</TD><TD>244</TD><TD> </TD><TD>93</TD><TD>115</TD><TD>126</TD><TD>144</TD><TD>149</TD></TR><TR><TD>E7TE-AA Stock</TD><TD>1.78</TD><TD>1.46</TD><TD>55.4</TD><TD>101.3</TD><TD>140.9</TD><TD>150.8</TD><TD>164.6</TD><TD></TD><TD>42</TD><TD>78.9</TD><TD>102.4</TD><TD>110.8</TD><TD>114.2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>E7TE-AA Pwrhead</TD><TD>1.90</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>64.2</TD><TD>123.4</TD><TD>175.8</TD><TD>204.3</TD><TD>217.2</TD><TD> </TD><TD>63.0</TD><TD>110</TD><TD>151.6</TD><TD>170.2</TD><TD>175.5</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Edelbrock Performer 5.0L</TD><TD>1.90</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>72</TD><TD>131</TD><TD>185</TD><TD>214</TD><TD>223</TD><TD>226</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>105</TD><TD>131</TD><TD>156</TD><TD>168</TD><TD>175</TD></TR><TR><TD>Holley Systemax</TD><TD>1.94</TD><TD>1.6</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>119</TD><TD>166</TD><TD>202</TD><TD>219</TD><TD>228</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>95</TD><TD>126</TD><TD>152</TD><TD>166</TD><TD>176</TD></TR><TR><TD>Edelbrock Victor Jr.</TD><TD>2.05</TD><TD>1.60</TD><TD>63.7</TD><TD>127.3</TD><TD>177</TD><TD>229.2</TD><TD>268.8</TD><TD>288</TD><TD>54.1</TD><TD>106.8</TD><TD>151.6</TD><TD>181.5</TD><TD>205</TD><TD>217</TD></TR><TR><TD>Edelbrock Victor</TD><TD>2.125</TD><TD>1.625</TD><TD>64.3</TD><TD>135.5</TD><TD>198</TD><TD>248</TD><TD>289.2</TD><TD>310</TD><TD>59.7</TD><TD>107.5</TD><TD>152.7</TD><TD>184.2</TD><TD>199.8</TD><TD>209.3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kent 1.6L Formula</TD><TD>1.56</TD><TD>1.34</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>90.8</TD><TD>127.9</TD><TD>138.4</TD><TD>143.6</TD><TD>146.2</TD><TD>39.3</TD><TD>76</TD><TD>103.1</TD><TD>117.3</TD><TD>121.3</TD><TD>122.3</TD></TR><TR><TD>GT-40 Cobra stock</TD><TD>1.84</TD><TD>1.54</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>107</TD><TD>157</TD><TD>183</TD><TD>192</TD><TD>196</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>94</TD><TD>119</TD><TD>128</TD><TD>128</TD><TD>129</TD></TR><TR><TD>GT-40P Explorer</TD><TD>1.84</TD><TD>1.46</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>128</TD><TD>169</TD><TD>195</TD><TD>196</TD><TD>193</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>90</TD><TD>123</TD><TD>135</TD><TD>139</TD><TD>142</TD></TR><TR><TD>GT-40X FRP</TD><TD>1.94</TD><TD>1.54</TD><TD>65.2</TD><TD>126.7</TD><TD>172.5</TD><TD>202.5</TD><TD>216</TD><TD>214.8</TD><TD>52.7</TD><TD>105.3</TD><TD>145.3</TD><TD>149.4</TD><TD>149.1</TD><TD>149.1</TD></TR><TR><TD>GT-40Y FRP</TD><TD>1.94</TD><TD>1.54</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>114</TD><TD>167</TD><TD>199</TD><TD>213</TD><TD> </TD><TD>52</TD><TD>98</TD><TD>128</TD><TD>137</TD><TD>134</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

so, here's what I'm thinkin' so far. bore the block 30 over, put in a mild roller cam, add a pair of gt40 heads (ported) & keep the performer manifold/edelbrock 600 carb. whaddya think, hambers?

 

Sounds great make sure you get some matching valve springs for the cam the Explorer ones are kinda weak.

 

I agree with Bluebolt and want to thank him for the head chart. Very helpful and interesting.

 

+1 !
That chart will come in handy when I start working on my stock(for now)o/t '85 GT convert

 

I agree totally on the "be sure to use a Melling oil pump" thing...

Sine ya don't plan on hittin' the 1320 with this truck...I might stay with a
standard volume pump...that's what I'm plannin' on doing with my '56 Effie...

ARP sells a nice oil pump hardend shaft..wight as welll add one to the list
while you are in thier free catalog getin' some killa-fasteners...

Anyway...Check out this kit...Looks like it is just you might be after...

Not bad for $949.99...

http://www.coasthigh.com/Ford-331-Flat-Top-4-0cc-Street-Fighter-Kit-p/10666-sf-f331.htm

They are offering FREE balancing on all engine kits AND $39.99 shipping
to the lower 48...man...THAT is difficult to p*** up!

I'm goin' that way myself...

-

 

Mild port job with attention to the bowls and the exhaust runners. Late model Explorer or better yet Merc Mountaineer for used heads. Go easy with the valve grinder or seat cutter to keep as much hard seat as possible. These heads go 100K's of miles w/o problems.

If you have room, run the Van cast exhaust manifolds for a sure quiet seal and better flow. 2 1/4" all the way back with a "H" pipe section. X Pipe better, but more expensive. All flow well at street speeds and will allow the motor to turn if you need it.

Medium mild roller cam seeing as how you have the roller block I **** steel roller rockers as they make about 11 HP at 4500 (actually free it up from friction). Childs & Albert zero gap rings are another nice HP bump - worth about 8 and they don't cost any more gas either. They are pricey though.

Watch the squish area and shoot for about 0.045" with compressed head gasket. Will lessen detonation and give better burn. Playing with head gaskets is cheap and way to get some additional CR.

Once you have the basic engine sorted, try tuning for max mileage. It will give better overall response pull cleaner. Look here for tuning ideas to help set vacuum curve for ignition: http://www.gofastnews.com/board/eco...-2-eco-tune-carburated-v8s-fast-accurate.html

You are going the right direction

 

That's one I hadn't heard before. What is so special about the van manifolds?


You can usually find a set of GT40 or GT40p heads on craigslist between $200 - 350. Not sure what a wrecking yard would charge.

 

They flow as well as shorty headers, last longer and run a lot quieter

 

wow, you are one helpful guy! thanks for the info, & I'll try to act on your ideas. thanks, Bob

 

Also, remember the 50 and 28 balance issue.

 

boy, you got me there! do you mean a 50 year old shouldn't marry a 28 year old, or is this a motor issue? thanks, Bob


"Two things I remember...I am a great sinner, and Jesus is a great Savior." John Newton

 

Mratt is referring to the harmonic balancer issues. Make sure you use the correct one to match your (engine) crank.

Yes a 50 year old can marry a 28 year old but the fun will run out as soon as the money runs out.

 

got the motor out last night...now to tear it down & check the specs. might not bore it if it looks good. we'll see




cram the wheel both ways & floor it!

 

Just a question. Is a 302 a 60 degree engine?

 

not sure about the 60 degree thing. off to the machine shop Monday. still looking for some gt40 heads, tho.


if it don;t go, chrome it!