97BlackX5.0
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- October 8, 2002
- Messages
- 621
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Scipio, Indiana
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 X XLT AWD
First of all let me say that i have searched around a bit and am a bit overwhelmed by the 302. It had been in production for over 40 years and in my mind has seen many changes in those 40 years. By far the most popular application for performance 302's has been in mustangs. I currently have a 97 explorer with a 302 in it. I found a 55k mile 302 short block out of a 96 explorer in the paper with no heads for 50 bucks.... nothing wrong with it they just needed the heads off it.
Now through my research i have seen that there are basically two types of 302's roller and non roller ... I am fairly certain the all the explorers were roller engines. Are there certain types of heads that you can only use on rollers. for instance can i take a pair of built heads off ebay with bigger valves and springs installed and just put them on with new roller rockers?
I am aware of the "stroker" kits out there. And it seems like most people are after the gt-40 heads that we have stock. I want to keep as much fuel economy as possible while still upping torque and hp. this is not for the track but just as an all around rig. (some offroading, towing daily driver) Would you reccomend going stroked for this or just putting in forged internals and going with a supercharger kit.
My objective is to build a performance 302 in my garage out of this short block in the paper havnt decided stroker or not. This will be parts at a time as i will be on a small budget for a while... kinda piecing together as i go. After i finish building this. I will swap it into my truck and will pretty much be a bolt in swap with a computer chip as needed for the changes in shift points and cam changes.
What brand and power range of cam would give me the best fuel economy while still allowing me my power when i put my foot down. I understand this will have alot to do with heads... stock or modified. I know most people will say custom grind. What im wanting to know if theres any kit out there that targets this.
I'm shooting for 300 horse and 350+ ft lbs.
I think its reasonable without going nuts
Well what do you guys think... any suggestions...
Now through my research i have seen that there are basically two types of 302's roller and non roller ... I am fairly certain the all the explorers were roller engines. Are there certain types of heads that you can only use on rollers. for instance can i take a pair of built heads off ebay with bigger valves and springs installed and just put them on with new roller rockers?
I am aware of the "stroker" kits out there. And it seems like most people are after the gt-40 heads that we have stock. I want to keep as much fuel economy as possible while still upping torque and hp. this is not for the track but just as an all around rig. (some offroading, towing daily driver) Would you reccomend going stroked for this or just putting in forged internals and going with a supercharger kit.
My objective is to build a performance 302 in my garage out of this short block in the paper havnt decided stroker or not. This will be parts at a time as i will be on a small budget for a while... kinda piecing together as i go. After i finish building this. I will swap it into my truck and will pretty much be a bolt in swap with a computer chip as needed for the changes in shift points and cam changes.
What brand and power range of cam would give me the best fuel economy while still allowing me my power when i put my foot down. I understand this will have alot to do with heads... stock or modified. I know most people will say custom grind. What im wanting to know if theres any kit out there that targets this.
I'm shooting for 300 horse and 350+ ft lbs.
I think its reasonable without going nuts
Well what do you guys think... any suggestions...
