302 V8 build

[motoman]

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times over the internet and as I've been reading I've found answers all over the place. But I want to see what some of you guys have to say since I know we have plenty of people with experience. Please leave all the unrelated bullshit out of this thread.


A little info to this build... first and foremost, I want it all street legal.
Engine will go into a weekend driver and it probably won't see the track.


If I have a used 302 V8 out of a fox body, what is it going to take to put 330-350hp to the wheels? Can it be done N/A with stock crank and pistons? I'm reading various things on the web about this.

Plans are for some sort of cam that will compliment a set of AFR165 heads (yeah expensive but they seem to really put the power down). Is there a better upper and lower intake than a GT40? Anyone had any luck with the Trickflow or BBK stuff? I know a bigger throttle body and MAF will be needed.

Let's talk this stuff out. This WILL be my first engine build.

[DON SVO]

stock crank and pistons?

[motoman]

If I can get away without having to swap those then I'd like to leave them stock. Bottom end should be in good shape on this engine.

[Big Thumper]

I'd call a shop and work with them.

end of thread. Next thread...which shop to spec my heads/cam for my 302.

[Vertnut]

To get 330 to the wheels, I'd look at something other than the GT40 intake to obtain those numbers, along with the right cam.

[motoman]

I'd call a shop and work with them.

end of thread. Next thread...which shop to spec my heads/cam for my 302.

Not interested in talking with a shop at this moment, not even close to purchasing parts for this build. Purely seeing what is/isn't possible to determine what this engine does into.

[motoman]

To get 330 to the wheels, I'd look at something other than the GT40 intake to obtain those numbers, along with the right cam.

Any suggestions on another intake? The GT40 seems to be the "go to" intake for simple bolt on's but from what I read it doesn't make the power of other intakes. I'd like to try to find an intake that'll best fit my application and work will with my heads and whatever cam I go with. No point in throwing on something like an intake meant for racing that will flow a ton of air if it's a N/A build.

[2cammer97]

My best friends old '92 LX hatch put down 320 rwhp/350 rwtq SAE with the following:

Stock rebuilt 302 short block (stock internals, stock bore)
AFR 185 heads (notched stock pistons to clear) CR ~9.8:1
custom FTI cam
Edelbrock RPM intake/70mm TB
BBK long tubes/off road h/Mac catback
stock intake tube/air box/panel K&N filter
I believe 30 lb injectors with 75mm Pro-M Bullet MAF

The car ran strong. Setup for drag racing with 4.10 gears, Tremec 3550 trans, slicks, roll cage, etc went 11.7's at 113.

Hope this helps.

Marcus

[motoman]

My best friends old '92 LX hatch put down 320 rwhp/350 rwtq SAE with the following:

Stock rebuilt 302 short block (stock internals, stock bore)
AFR 185 heads (notched stock pistons to clear)
custom FTI cam
Edelbrock RPM intake/70mm TB
BBK long tubes/off road h/Mac catback
stock intake tube/air box/panel K&N filter
I believe 30 lb injectors with 75mm Pro-M Bullet MAF

The car ran strong. Setup for drag racing with 4.10 gears, Tremec 3550 trans, slicks, roll cage, etc went 11.7's at 113.

Hope this helps.

Marcus

That actually does help. Any idea who tuned it?

[Z06killinsbf]

Do you already have the AFRs? Budget?

[motoman]

Haven't bought anything yet. I don't have a set budget right now and I know it's a stretch but if I can keep the engine build between $3-4K that would be awesome. Figured I can pick up some used parts in good shape (ie... headers).

[2cammer97]

That actually does help. Any idea who tuned it?

Man, it's been a while but I think we just self tuned it on the dyno by adjusting timing and fuel pressure. It was probably at HPP as that's where we use to go to dyno. I think the key was the cam. He sent Ed Curtis every detail about the car and Ed sent back the cam to match. I can't remember the exact specs on the cam but I think it was around .535 lift, around .225 duration, and like a 108 or 109 lsa. Something like that.

Marcus

[5.0Thunder]

The trick flow intake mani's do a lot better than GT-40/explorer/cobra manifolds from my experience. I think those systemax ones are alright but I don't have personal experience. I'm sure somebody can recommend a good shelf cam or maybe a custom cam guy that could grind you something nice. I've only used a comp XE282 as far as shelf cams go so I can't recommend anything really.

[motoman]

I think the key was the cam. He sent Ed Curtis every detail about the car and Ed sent back the cam to match.
Marcus

I'll have to look into something like that. I'm sure a custom cam will offer better results than your typical alphabet cam.

[motoman]

I'm sure this reads like every other person who's ever wanted to build an engine. They want the fastest thing they can build for the cheapest they can build it. My goal is for something realistic. My old cobra (dad gave me) was putting out 318hp at the wheels, not a lot but it was fun enough to take out on the weekends and it would move when I wanted it to. That's mostly what I'm looking for, nothing super fast or super fancy.