Next step?

[Smith463]

Well i guess i have come here in the thirst of more power. I have TMH's on my ex, full exhaust, and a pretty nice 4r70w full of sonnax goodies but id like to hit something near 300 hp with this rig, is there any other ways to juice more power out of this 302 before buying a powerdyne unit and trying to get all the bits to super charge this 5.0? i was almost thinking a cam but i dont know that it would rally benefit much in the means of horsepower as i wouldn't want to go radical and lose the bottom end. Any advice would be great, open to anything.

 

[Blown]

It would likely take a rebuild, cam pistons, etc etc to get to 300 and like you said, it would make the power at higher RPM

My first rebuild, I tried a bigger cam and lost some bottom end but gained much up high with Roush heads and full exhaust. It would have done better with a higher stall torque converter. That did not do it for me and my first blower was a Powerdyne. This was in an 90 302 Bronco. I have not looked back and have had several blown Fords (Bronco, F150 Stepside, Ranger and now my X-Edge -X with Ranger Edge front.).

A stroker would get you there, more cubes, displacement. I built a 349, then a 393, both milder compression with boost.

I have a recent stock rebuild, well 'cept for forged pistons and file fit rings. 7lbs of boost gets about 300 horses, plus gobs of torque (350 - 375). I got plenty of power off the line and climbing the mountains in Colorado. I'd rather have a more stock cam for the low end torque to get these heavy bricks moving.

If you keep your foot out of it, you can get decent mileage, but man that power is there when you get into boost. It's like variable displacement.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'd aim at a 347 kit and rebuild a 302 with it. If a blower is a sure thing, choose a compression that matches the boost level. For mild boost like 6psi or so, a 9.5:1 compression can work, with premium fuel. Stay NA, and 10:1 or more is better.

Try this link to a 347 kit; Ford 347 Assemblies | Skip White Performance - We have the best prices you will ever find for aluminum heads, rotating assemblies and strokers
My math tells me it's about $500 or so more than a 306 rebuild, which is a cheap 41 CI. That's a Wiseco piston they include, plus balancing, a flexplate, and balancer. Note that balancer is not usable for an Explorer, you'd have to use a specific unit made for the Explorer(Damper Dudes has one(rebalanced stock unit)).

 

[Smith463]

It seems like the 347 is the logical route. ill start hunting down a short block to build while im also hunting for all the powerdyne bits, i have located the powerdyne head unit and am in contact with a guy that can get the brackets made for the exp, my only problem now is the pulleys, anyone have a lead on where to find those..? Ill likely put the powerdyne on my current motor while i build the 347 for the future, i am lined up to go and have the truck tuned wich i wonder if it will help at all. Im sure ill be posting on here more if i dont get back to painting my Notchback one of these days.

 

[CDW6212R]

Line up your tuning to include the future changes, try to make it a package deal to cover the final engine etc. Pick an expert to make a custom cam to get the most out of it, including telling him about the boost level, head, and restrictive exhaust. he should be the one who suggest the best compression for the boost you plan for, and the best valve springs. Then you can choose the needed piston dish size, and get the valve springs put in the heads etc.

 

[Smith463]

The tuner is part of our local mustang group I see him a lot so it wont be a trouble getting in again for a tune on the new motor but I will go over what im planning with him and see what he says.

 

[CDW6212R]

Excellent, that local source is a precious connection to have. I'll be working mine remotely most likely, emails etc.

 

[Blown]

I stayed with the 302, with AWD, the stock transfer case and front axle are not up to the power of a blown 347. A blown 347 will put out more than the 300 you are seeking, but the rear axle will take it. Flywheel power vs at the wheels, a 347 is likely closer to 300 at the wheels.

I'd like the power! Who wouldn't, and to see a stock looking explorer doing a burn-out! Good stuff here from vroomzoomboom regarding an awesome build (blown stroker).

 

[CDW6212R]

A bunch of the power is absorbed or strangled, by the trans, TC and front drive system, plus the exhaust. An engine with 350fwhp will not make 300rwhp in these Explorers. Figure in at least an extra 15% power loss compared to a Mustang, or more.

 

[Blown]

A bunch of the power is absorbed or strangled, by the trans, TC and front drive system, plus the exhaust. An engine with 350fwhp will not make 300rwhp in these Explorers. Figure in at least an extra 15% power loss compared to a Mustang, or more.

Yep, wonder how much for each?

A 2WD Explorer, 4X4 Explorer (in 2WD), and AWD Explorer?

Anyhow, I brought it up as Smith463 did not specify the HP wanted at the crank or wheels.............

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, we know it's a loaded question etc. I try to dampen what people figure they can get from an Explorer. These stock 302's are 240rwhp in a 93-95 Mustang, yet only 210 in these.