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302 Horsepower

trailpsycho

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 11, 2003
Messages
4,856
Depends on the year due to all of the emissions being installed through the 70s. I think the 71, 72 and maybe the 73 had the highest output, b/c there was no real emmission controls. It dropped off precipitously after that, in 76, for example the 302 was only like 140 HP, but it still had pretty significant otrque ratings...dont recall that right now. The specs used to be posted on Bronco.com if I remember right.
 

broncnaz

Bronco Guru
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
24,341
Usually right around 200hp at the engine then in 71 they changed the way they measured HP so the numbers dropped along with the compression ratio and retarded timing gear sets for emissions purposes from 73-76 the deck height on the block was slightly higher lowering compression again along with HP. as for torque numbers stock best was around the 300 ft lbs mark and low around 240 ft lbs but these engines are easily rewakened. I wouldnt worry to much about the so called smog equipment on most years unless you have the thermoactor pump/heads on it. while not the best engines they still respond well to mods. Headers, 4v intake and carb, and a good cam with a straight up timing chain set will get you into the 200+/300+ lbs hp/torque range with ease.
 

SaddleUp

Bronco Guru
Joined
May 23, 2004
Messages
9,655
Loc.
Vancouver, WA
Be careful when comparing HP ratings. They changed the way they were measured around the same time (Early 70's) so that will keep them from matching up properly. Generally speaking late 70's vehicles have the worst performance of any since the Emissions stuff was in its infant stage. BTW, when someone says their motor puts out 500+ HP I take it with a grain of salt. Same thing when someone says doing such and such will make your motor put out X number of HP. Most of them have never actually put their motor on a dyno to have the HP tested so they are usually only making a guess. (Usually the guess also gets bigger everytime they make it) Another problem with HP is that it builds at different places in the RPM range. Some motors build it lower in the RPM range than others which makes some motors better fit for particular applications. In an EB it doesn't do much good if it is bulding 400 HP at 7000 RPM's if it is being run on the street or on the trails. (Unless you plan to race everyone from one stoplight to the next) If your running it through the mud bogs then that may be another story.
 

BoltBuster

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 5, 2002
Messages
2,051
302 HP was mainly reflected by the heads. 72' to 79' was the average of 140hp. (hence gas crunch and emission control era).
Pre year(68'-70') 302's 2V-4V(average 210hp) that had heads that brought up the compression ratio for the HP era years. Most 302s had either had a flat top piston with valve reliefs or a low compression dish type depending ion the year and application.

Modified 302s known as stroker motors are the best route to go for if your looking for HP bundle. Less of a search for early years(which you may have to rebuild and find parts for). Higher compression is not always the way to go for tricked out HP. Actually it will keep you looking for higher octane. Later HO motors got the HP from tricks from roller rockers and EFI plus headers and manifold upgrades. Of course you can just find a 351W and cutto the chase ;D

Theres a decent Book called "Ford Performance" by Pat Ganahl, S-A Design

It talks of all the ol'skool tricks for Ford engines.
 
Last edited:

wildbill

Old Bronco Guy
Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
6,888
%) %) %) In the bronco the most was 205hp 1968 to 71 then it went down this is stock with a 2V carb. With a 4V add about 20hp good luck and have fun. ;D ;D ;D Bill %) :cool: :p
 

BoltBuster

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 5, 2002
Messages
2,051
Heres some useful info with a reference, Its general to the 302 only not to any one vehicle.

*As far as HP and compression: Ford controlled the compression in the 302 small block by head chamber and piston tops, but it varies year to year depending on the application which in turns effects HP. Ill list the compression ratios but I can tell you this. The Carb only matched what it had to feed.


302 Engine Compression by year with head.(see note* above)
68-69(2V) 9.5:1
68(4v) 10:1
70-71(2v) 9.0:1
72(2V) 8.5:1
73-76(2V) 8.0:1
77-79(2V) 8.2:1
80-85(2V) 8.3:1
86-98(ALL) 9.0:1

The Mexican Block (Ford and Mercury)302 had a higher nickel content(also 302 Boss) than the US for greater strength only. casings,C8FE,C9ZE,DOZE-B (67'-early 70's)

As far as Horse power, (see note* above)

68-71' 220 to 210hp
69-70' 290hp (302 BOSS ONLY)
72' 140hp
73' 135hp
74' 140hp
76-77' 134hp
78-79' 139hp
80-82' 134hp(2V) 152hp(HO)
83' 130hp(2V) 175hp(HO)
84' 140hp(CFI) 175hp(HO)
85' 165hp(CFI) 210hp(HO)
86-87' 150hp(EFI) 210hp(HO)
88-98' 200hp(EFI) 225hp(HO)
93-95' 240hp(GT40)

(Information provided by George Reid)
 
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