Easiest/Most Efficient Ways to Add Power

[TJ.Harry]

I'm looking to add power/torque to my stock 302/auto.

What are the most efficient ways to juice it up? I'm looking for specific parts.

If you have any idea on the effective power gain of adding your suggested part go ahead and post that too.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I built a really nice 302. Edelbrock Performer cam, Windsor Jr heads, 9.7 compression, 500 CFM Edelbrock carb, and Hooker headers. It's real torqy for a 302. In hind site, the change to lower gears and replacing the C4 with a manual were way more productive for performance. Had I made the changes to the drive train first, I'd still be using a 2bbl carb.

 

[TJ.Harry]

Really? So basically the 4bbl didn't even make that much of a difference? My carb has just about had it and I was thinking about ponying up for a 4bbl edelbrock or holley.

 

[EFI Guy]

I'm looking to add power/torque to my stock 302/auto.

What are the most efficient ways to juice it up?

I find that they really start to wake up at about 8psi.;D





.

 

[motoman]

Gear changes can be dramatic and just what the Dr. ordered. As you up the gear ratio you will lose some top end speed. But the torque is awesome and relates to some great offroad manners.

Stay away from the the CARTER AFB if you are going to offroad your truck. 2 bbl Ford, Qjet or TBI will perk it up. Yes cam (stump puller series), intake, heads, headers, exhaust will help when put together as a system.

What is your budget?

 

[blubuckaroo]

Really? So basically the 4bbl didn't even make that much of a difference? My carb has just about had it and I was thinking about ponying up for a 4bbl edelbrock or holley.

Oh it will make a difference but gearing was more effective. If you do go the 4bbl route, you really won't see much difference without a cam change too.

 

[Broncobowsher]

What is your current combonation? Tires, gears, engine condition etc.?
The best bang for the buck is fix the incorrectly speced parts. Trouble it we can't tell what is wrong until we know what we are woring with. If you are turning 35s with 3.50 gears no simple engine tricks will wake it up but gears will do wonders. But if gearing and tire size are properly matched then engine upgrades will become effective.

 

[broncnaz]

Add exhuast to that actually exhuast mods do more than intake. But overall If your engine is tired you may not really make much of a differance.
If the engine is truely stock and say only has about 100k on it then a new timing chain set can make a differance.
It can be hard to make good suggestions without know more about your vehicle. ie mileage, tire size, gearing ect.

 

[bknbronco]

i agree. even with a big motor if your gearing dont match your tire size it will feel doggy. My stock rebuilt 289, stock 2100 carb, 33" rubber, 3 on the tree, and 4:10 gears really feels nice to me. To others its probably not enough motor but im happy.

What size tires? what gears (probably 3:50 if you have a auto?)?

 

[TJ.Harry]

I'm fairly certain the previous owner changed a few things (I believe the VIN puts my '72 with a V6 originally but now has a 302 with stock parts (sorry, that's what I meant by stock originally). If I still have stock gears (and I believe I do), they're 4.10. My best guess at transmission is C4.

My original plan was to run 36" TSLs but I've decided since its going to spend so much time on the road it'll be better suited for some 30" mud terrains I got a good deal on.

My original thought was to upgrade the carb, cam, and headers but that's why I'm asking for you guys' help.

I don't necessarily have a tight budget although I'm always looking for the best bang for my buck. I'm not gonna drop 5-20k on a new 393, although I wish I could.

 

[bknbronco]

4:10's and 30's should be a nice torqy setup. Expecially with a auto i think??? I know with 4:10 and stock tires and my 3 speed i couldnt even use first gear! Just check your gearing before you rule that out although even if you had 3:50's with your set up it should be fine i think. Maybe your expecting more power than i am.....im just tickled than my motor even runs. Alot of these guys on here need 500+HP im happy with a few hundred

Just dont assume anything hasnt been changed on a bronco.....like them gears. Good luck.

Also with 35" or larger tires i think the brothers like 4:30's or higher numerically???

 

[73azbronco]

The biggies in order to give you most bang for buck:

1) Intake which works for the application, so for yours, Performer intake. Coupled is a carb which works for the motor, no more than 650cfm stock
2) Exhaust headers
3) Camshaft
4) Gearing
5) New motor

 

[broncnaz]

Definetly want to do a cam if your running 4.10 and 30in tires as you can afford to up the powerband a little with that combo.

 

[BIG_UGLY75]

How big we talkin, puting a fan clutch or ectric fan will free up a couple horse.
Or changing the cam. I had my heads shave a little to raise compression..new intake, new headers, new carb. New exhaust...even a tune uo will raise everything,the factory always sets things to be fuel efficiant vs. powerful.. Personally id just get a mastet rebuild kit, and start tearing it down, as your rebuilding it pretty much everything you put in it will show on the end result..

 

[ugly74]

All the normal stuff, intake, 4v, cam, exhaust...but the 302s really weak link is the heads. The exhaust side especially is kinda pathetic. With some porting they start to come around...but if you can find some good used aftermarket heads for a good deal; grab 'em!

Mine had a 302 (holley 4v, edelbrock performer, ported stock heads, headers) c4 and 3.50s and 32" tires, and got around quite well.

 

[Timmy390]

I find that they really start to wake up at about 8psi.;D

Very true......


Gears made a world of difference to my rig......night and day difference. Did them myself.....just took time and understanding.....great reason to go buy the 20 ton HF shop press........

Tim

 

[wheelsblank27]

i agree. even with a big motor if your gearing dont match your tire size it will feel doggy. My stock rebuilt 289, stock 2100 carb, 33" rubber, 3 on the tree, and 4:10 gears really feels nice to me. To others its probably not enough motor but im happy.

What size tires? what gears (probably 3:50 if you have a auto?)?

Completely true. I am goin through the same problem as you (but opposite) I love my 4:11 s and c4 combo w 33" thornbirds and since rebuilding rear end and finding my gears trashed I couldn't really find new ones in my budget and the only ones I could find anywhere were 3:50 s (also at the time that's what I thought I had in there) I never counted the teeth and didn't think they could be that tall of gears and perform well on road.
So yea, my 289 2 barrel Motorcraft 2100' , c4 combo on the street and offroad was tasty, so I would back what Timmy and brnco are sayin about the gearing, it's a solid cheapo fix for ' the need"