best 302 motor upgrades

[Teal68]

No need to take the lifters apart. That's just more parts to keep up with. They probably don't come out easy because of varnish above them.

A roller motor has this spider in the valley to keep the lifters from rotating in the bore:
http://www.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/engine/1307_roller_camshaft_conversions_engine_upgrade/

 

[sbellville]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I have been reading a lot the last couple of days and almost feel more confused now than I did when I started on some things. I guess the only way to learn is to dig in and go with it.

 

[sbellville]

I looked at the link Teal 68 gave me and no I don't have anything like this. So I would assume I don't have a roller block.

 

[sbellville]

After further inspection, I do have 2 untapped holes in the lifter valley that could be used for the spider bracket a roller lifters. I did read a little bit about this not much though, does this really give me better options in the bottom line of performance or is this going to be that hundreds of dollars to gain 10 horsepower deal.

 

[Ourobos]

You have a roller capable block then. The 1985 mustangs actually used hyd. roller lifters, so I'll wager your engine came out of another vehicle from 1985. You have hyd. flat tappet lifters, which will only work with your camshaft you have now. If you're deep enough, you can replace the camshaft and lifters with hyd. roller ones if desired, they usually have a little more longevity.

 

[bmc69]

Shouldn't I be able to get the lifters out with a good magnet?? .

No...you need one of these.

http://www.centurytool.net/13750_Lisle_Hyd_Valve_Lifter_p/lis13750.htm

 

[sbellville]

I am definatelly planning to replace cam, timing chain and gears, but am on the fence with what other components. Considering anything except complete rebuild over the bottom end or stroking it at this time. Just don't want to waste a couple of grand in the process of trial and errors. Just want something with good low end torque and can still cruise 60-70mph.

 

[bax]

best upgrade, since you have it out, is to leave it out and put a 351w or 408w, or if you're a retired reclusive hobbyist woodworker, a 408c with efi back in....


Happy now bax?

happy happy happy ;d

 

[muskrat]

I am definatelly planning to replace cam, timing chain and gears, but am on the fence with what other components. Considering anything except complete rebuild over the bottom end or stroking it at this time. Just don't want to waste a couple of grand in the process of trial and errors. Just want something with good low end torque and can still cruise 60-70mph.

Are you familiar with this engine's past? How was oil,pressure before you took it out? You might need to rent a lifter removal gizmo to get the lifter out.

Don't forget to use high zinc break in oil!

 

[sbellville]

Are you familiar with this engine's past? How was oil,pressure before you took it out? You might need to rent a lifter removal gizmo to get the lifter out.

Don't forget to use high zinc break in oil!

It had 50psi oil pressure when I pulled it in the garage other than that history wise I have no idea. It didn't smoke and seemed to idle good, it barely had anything left of the exhaust and the accelerator pump on the carb was leaking soooo.... it's hard to say other than that. No idea of mileage either, obviously is not the stock engine so odometer does nothing for me. The timing chain is shot and the stinkin nylon gear set is shot also.

 

[KyleQ]

Find a 351W - thank me later.

 

[AZ69EB]

Welcome to the site.

I have a 89 5.0 with gt40 head, and EFI from a 96 Explorer. I also have a ZF5 speed with 4.88 gears and 33" tires. It work OK. I just wish it had more torque for the long hills or when I'm pulling my tent trailer.

I would suggest you take some rides in other peoples bronco before you dump alot of money in your current motor.

That's why I have a 351W roller motor with gt40 heads, lightning upper, and lower on an engine stand just waiting for time to make the swap.

Good luck.

 

[Green '70]

I don't know where you live, but I have a brand new Edelbrock performer intake that I will sell right. I am in the Dallas, TX area. PM if interested. Thanks, Brent

 

[gnpenning]

Rotate your cam shaft and as the lifters come up pull them out, use channel locks if you have to. If they don't come out get it to stay up. After you get out all the ones you can and the others up in the bore pull out your cam. Tap the stuck lifters down thru the bore keeping a magnet in the cam bore and fish out lifter. If the bottom end is open your can let them fall through. a piece if cardboard in a c shape can be put in the cam bore to catch lifters as well. Make sure you take off a couple rod and main caps off if your not going all the way. Only cost is a pan gasket, and will give you a lot of piece of mind.

 

[THE8THCOBRA]

Save all the hassles of rebuilding and trying to find someone to trust do it right the first time jegs or summit offers a cheap longblock roller 302 for 2300 ish 300hp. Then bolt on edlebrock rpm intake or weiland holley truck advenager carb good set of headers and exhaust youll need a 50oz harmonic balancer 4 bolt crank pulley jeffs sells all that then i would ditch the stock ignition run all msd. Your set this is a basic run down not a full detail parts list. You will be happy with the results or find on criagslist a good stock 86-93 302 just upgrading to a roller is the way to go have done it on both my broncos and i drive my bronco hard

 

[KyleQ]

I have less than a grand into my rebuilt 351W with GT40's on it... Junkyards are your friend - rebuild the injectors, rebuild the lifters, get a good core and just do a line hone and bearings. It can be done, you can also throw paychecks at it as well...

 

[blubuckaroo]

I can understand replacing a 302 with a 351W. I remember back in the day trying to build a 283 Chevy to keep up with a 327. The torque just wasn't there. The thing is though, you can't just swap out a 302 for a 351W. A 351W takes more hood and firewall clearance so a body lift or cut hood may be needed. Also there are adapters needed for the power steering and alternator. These may be small issues but a direct replacement is always cleaner. And there a lot of good Broncos running around with 302s.
Now having said all that...
Does anyone know where I can get a good rebuildable 351W?%)

 

[KyleQ]

351W requires no firewall clearance, but a scoop is needed depending on intake choice.
I put Explorer accessories on mine, so it bolted up without modification - bot those are easy to overcome.

The torque difference is stupid huge - its worth the little hassle it can be. Check your local car forums, craigslist or junkyards.

 

[John Marinan]

It had 50psi oil pressure when I pulled it in the garage other than that history wise I have no idea. It didn't smoke and seemed to idle good, it barely had anything left of the exhaust and the accelerator pump on the carb was leaking soooo.... it's hard to say other than that. No idea of mileage either, obviously is not the stock engine so odometer does nothing for me. The timing chain is shot and the stinkin nylon gear set is shot also.

I'm in the process of removing an engine with a low mileage (6,000) 266 comp cam, with lifters, pushrods and double roller chain. It also has a set of E7 heads with the correct springs for a flat tappet cam. The parts are in CO. I should have the engine out in a week. let me know if you could use these items.

 

[baddad457]

Stroke it to a 347

BAD IDEA! with an 85 block.