302 mild build?

289 - 351 cid Small Block Performance
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Longroofcomet
Posts: 31
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:37 pm

302 mild build?

Post by Longroofcomet »

Hello all,
I've picked up an engine last night to go in the comet I'm probably going to buy, a 65 wagon. The engine I picked up is a 302 from a 75 Mustang 2, and it's stripped, block was hot tanked and new cam bearings and frost plugs installed.
This engine has dished pistons with the 58CC heads. It's my understanding this is a relatively low compression combo. My question is, should I spend the money on some flat top pistons before I put this motor together?
I'm not wanting huge power, I'd be happy with around 200hp. For money's sake I'd like to keep the 2 barrel carb at least for now. The engine came with a Melling MTF 5 cam and I will need to get a set of headers as well.

My first delve into building an American V8, any pointers for the guy used to British 4 cylinders?
Thanks!

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Joe Travers
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Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
Location: Louisiana

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by Joe Travers »

Your combination with headers should get you to 200 gross h.p. now.
I had a similar cam grind in a 289 build w/ '69 351W heads, 600 Holley and flat-tops. It was a mild engine.
If you want to keep the 2V intake manifold, install an Autolite 2100 from a 351W, if you can pick one up cheap.
JMO, as always.

JT
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1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

Longroofcomet
Posts: 31
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:37 pm

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by Longroofcomet »

Good to hear!
My thoughts are, it's alot easier to put flat tops in it now and go to a 4 barrel later, than the other way around. I'll look for a 351W 2bbl

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Joe Travers
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Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
Location: Louisiana

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by Joe Travers »

Longroofcomet wrote:
Thu Nov 05, 2020 8:14 pm
My thoughts are, it's alot easier to put flat tops in it now and go to a 4 barrel later, than the other way around. I'll look for a 351W 2bbl
You don't need a 4V carb to make 200 h.p. The lower-compression piston does rob some power but you gain with the cam change and headers.
Not sure of the 2V Autolite flow numbers but the 351W should flow slightly more to help the cam change.

JT
Image

1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

Longroofcomet
Posts: 31
Joined: Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:37 pm

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by Longroofcomet »

Yea I figured, I was just meaning if I ever do want a little more power in the future, it would be easier to install the flat top pistons now while the engine is apart

popscomet
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Joined: Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:19 pm
Location: Jacksonville, Arkansas

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by popscomet »

if you have to buy pistons,,,why not buy a set of flat tops?? and be done with it....!! pop jmo
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pop/glenda

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Joe Travers
Posts: 2424
Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:23 pm
Location: Louisiana

Re: 302 mild build?

Post by Joe Travers »

Longroofcomet wrote:
Fri Nov 06, 2020 1:17 pm
Yea I figured, I was just meaning if I ever do want a little more power in the future, it would be easier to install the flat top pistons now while the engine is apart
'Add To Cart' :D
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp- ... tYEALw_wcB

Here's a post from another forum on Autolite 2100 flow rate identification if you are looking for a larger junkyard 2V to rebuild.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1160 ... -info.html

JT
Image

1963 1/2 Custom Hardtop
342 stroker, solid roller, T-10, 3.55 posi

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