Can you build a real Chevy 302?

The only engine we ran in my RPU, after '62 was a '57 block bored to 4" with a stock 283 crank. It set the NHRA B/SR records twice, AHRA records once, and the Standard 1320 records 3 times. Every year, at the Winternationals NHRA certified it at 301.1 with their P&G tool. I don't know about other small block configurations, but that little bastard was an RPMing fool. 7000 on the last yellow, side step the clutch on the green and 6800-6900 through the lights. Not high by today's standards, but in 1962 it was the top of the game. Same block, crank, rods and pistons 6 years straight. It met a sad end at Bonneville when the crank was ejected on the salt. Rollie had run 198 with it on 50%. He wanted 200 so bad. He upped the fuel to 60% but the little SBC said enough. The block was destroyed, and the heads were ruined too. the sad part of that deal was Rollie exited the 3 mile at 202, but never made it to the 4 mile. The little Chevy ended up as scrap metal to build Toyotas.

 

The 64-67 ChevyII block (283) was the one that were the most sought after for boring .125 over, real hard to find reasonably priced nowadays.

 

Agree on that, 65 is out. Nova block might be exception. I have just assembled a 65 nova 283 block. Did not compare to my other (7) 283 blocks, I do have a 1959 which might fall into the thick wall years.

 

I have the Danilla Brothers B/SR engine won Indy and Bowling Green NHRA in 80s...was 305ci a (302 bored) Arias 14:1, GM crank, 302 Alum Super rods. Enderle Bug Catcher fuel injected on tunnel ram. They then switched to destroked Hemi ... set record.

 

I used a 64 block on mine. JW

 

When I did it, I wasn't smart enough to know it was complicated. Took a small journal 327, swapped in a 283 crank and drove the thing.

 

It must have lowered the compression a bit.

 

Guess so, but it ran pretty well.

 

Which heads are you running to be vintage using early 327 block.
461
462 < My choice
291
186
040
041
492
292
034

 

896's and 520's is what i have used, small valve but they work well. My 301 has 11:1 or just above. JW

 

Another question has just come up, I could use a 3876768 or a 3735236 crank. Both are out of 283’s, small journal and both forged, I think. Does anyone know whether one would be better than the other? ‍♂️

 

As long as it's in good shape and forged you should be good to go. Dean I remember I never saw a bad running 4 inch 283. All the ones I ever saw back when, were rpm'ing fools and damn near impossible to destroy. Hell of a combo I think. Lippy

 

If one is already drilled for a harmonic bolt use it, if not drill em out!

 

I’ve been pondering one using the new Dart SHP block. It has a ton of improvements over the stock GM blocks. That coupled with the new Trick Flow double hump aluminum heads and a factory roller cam……shwing!

It’s either that or a 327 using the same platform.

Everyone will throw rocks saying I can build a 700 hp 427 for the same money, but can I utilize 700 hp on a bias ply 750-15?

Me thinks not.

 

Hmmm....

I have stock bore 302 pistons, if anyone just HAS to build a real 302

 

The 1967 Z28 Camaro was the only year for a small journal 302" You can find those cranks on ebay but expect to
pay moocho moola.....I have always used a small journal 327" block and a 283" forged crank, not the cast one.
Works great, revs to 9k. Have another on the stand in the garage waiting for a project. Bob

 

Take another look at post # 296, which is copies of the article that Car Craft did in 1969 giving all the details
on how to build your own 302" with a 327" block and 283" forged crank....

 

I just built one in 283 config. Very nice casting, cleaner than most. Fits tri five real nice. Clutch linkage clears raised oil filter.
I'm using 67 302 sj crank, camaro pan and windage tray.

Houchins did machine work. Zero deck, Line bored, balanced.

 

327 blocks are very affordable. I have several, if you use Alum camel humps, you need to study the TFS 60cc .. almost in flat top region.

 

I have a few, but I want the hydraulic roller cam option. They are coming out with a 64cc in the immediate future. Check out the TF Double hump thread.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/trick-flow-aluminum-double-hump-heads.1133750/page-2

The car in my avatar has a 302 in it.

 

Not sure where to post this but if there is a better place please let me know, thanks! Good morning all! I have a set of stock bore TRW L2210 pistons for a 302. I know this is a long shot but does anyone have the same pistons in .030 or .060 over they would trade for these? I am building a 302, turns out the small journal 327 block I have had already been bored .030. I need to sell or trade these to buy the correct ones for it. I was told these are large journal rods with new ARP rod bolts.

 

If I had an original Z Camaro I would go the 302 route, but I would go your way if not. I would also go with a bigger stroke also, probably the 3.48. They will rev just like the the 3" stroke but make more hp and torque. Valve train control is where rpm comes into play, love hearing all of the old stories about 7 to 8 k launches in the old days but I think most of them were just stories. You can hook 700 horses on really small tires it just takes money, lol.

 

yeah I have been eyeing those heads for a 68 327 block I have on the floor. I have a factory forged 327 crank for it as well, but was looking at like a scat or eagle 283 crank to shove it it. I have both L79 and Z/28 intakes for it so it would be a screamer, but with its ultimate destination in my C10, probably not the best idea.

You just need them tires the F.A.S.T guys are using on their race cars, lol.

 

Sure, there were "stories" but that was the beauty of bench racing when car guys got together but the first gen 302 cars got a reputation for a reason, they could back up the story if challenged.

 

And how!!!!!.....

 

I watched a YouTube video about dynoing 302/327/350. Basically a Z-28, a 365 hp 327, and a LT-1. They all made a little over 350 horsepower, the heads were the limiting factor in horsepower. Naturally, the 302 had to turn more rpms than the others. And the more cubic inches you have, the more torque you had at lower rpms.

 

I have some parts to build a 302. I have a nos 327 corvette block. Cast date 3153 780 casting. Has the windage tray. I also have some early 283 short blocks. Put them together. PM me

 

More like 9-10k launches. I hear em on the hamb once a week…..

 

I can tell you first hand that the Z28 302" were just awesome. Here is a picture of the back end of my
buddy's Z28, snuck into my '40 street racer photo from 1968. Here is a picture of the engine that was in it
back in 1968. He ran 4.56 gears on the street and never lost a race. For the first two years no one really
knew what a 302" Chevy was...they always thought it was an economical, de-tuned 327". Fun times.
Have built many 302" using 327" small journal blocks with forged 283" cranks, and have one more on
the stand waiting for my next project...love 'em...