Going with big cam, aluminium Edelbrock performer heads, tall intake. Block with cam and heads made 337 hp. Hoping to wake this thing up! Definitely a work in progress! Got plenty to do this winter, my 3rd winter with this car.
Hate to rain on your parade, but that 302 won't 'wake it up'... Even hopped up, you won't have much more HP than the stock 390, and still won't equal it's torque. Torque is what moves 'em, that's why Ford used big-blocks in those. This is like having a 396-powered Impala and dropping in a built 283. If your heart is set on a small block, you need a stroked 351W that makes enough grunt to move that heavy T-Bird. Really want to 'wake it up'? Drop in a warmed-up 460. Nice looking 'Bird by the way.
I agree with CRAZYSTEVE,You need cubes and torque for a big heavy car like that.I have a 390 with an RV cam in my 62 galaxie boat.
Thanks for the complements! Car spent over a year in the body shop. It's still a project, but I had it on the road this year. Solid body from Arkansas. I've been going through the car: brakes, suspension, steering box, exhaust, interior, etc. It's not rain...I've read about the limits of the 302. Car came with a tired 5.0 from an old pickup, not a 390. Good for cruising but definitely not a race car. I'm using the ****** and other components that I already have. No deep pocket. I may end up going big block in future, but gonna stick with the 5.0 for now. If I'm not satisfied with it after install, I may have a handle on a 429 w C6. I also have a bunch of other stuff to finish: gauges, heat, windshield wipers. I'll get some pics posted once I get underway...hopefully in the next two weeks.
Just an update, and to the naysayers, the rebuilt 5.0 gt motor, circa 1990, really made a huge difference and brought the car where I wanted to be as far as performance. This big car is certainly not quick off the line with the 5.0, but it has balls and responds nicely to pedal mash at speed, just like a hot rod should. It's got a great growl to it out of the duals, gets reasonable gas mileage for cruising, is remains willing to jump into the 4500 rpm range with 326 hp. The car remains a work-in-progress, but a summer full of night blasts, a couple local shows and some cruising have it running nicely. Got some needed help with new elec ignition/distrib parts, a new brake system with hydraulic brake booster, and the lead from the best Master Mechanic, and friend, Steve Raymond at Gloucester Truck and Auto, this custom Tbird has come a long way.
Anyone who says that is not enough engine for this car's weight hasn't driven those old LTD's that came stock with this engine and a 2 barrel. They had to be heavier than your bird. This is a responsive little motor that will surprize a lot of people. Good Luck.
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