[nickb2325]

I've had this mustang for a few years and finally pulled the motor to fix the rear main seal. I was wondering what are some of the cheaper power gains. The engine is a stock 71' 302 2 barrel. The car has a true dual exhaust (original headers 2.5" pipes) with nothing else done. I have a little money, about $500. Just looking for some suggestions.

[Keving]

I would say start with a 4 barrel carb and an intake manifold. There aren't a whole lot of things you can do to help if you don't have a 4 barrel. A cam and lifters might help, but I'm not sure what it would do for power with a 2 barrel.

[thetvirus]

I would do a performance 4 barrel intake and carb, a good cam, and then a MSD iginition box 6A or 6AL, msd plug wires, msd coil, a performance distributer or convert your distributor to electronic if you have not done so yet.

[nigel]

With your engine is already out. Go with a solid cam and solid lifters. The intake and carb can be done with the engine in the car. You still may have enough for the intake.

[FordGtMan]

I believe thetvirus nailed it. Get a 4bbl and electronic ignition before any upgrades can really be effective. You can get these things for 500 bucks if you get them used. Look around on craigslist and ebay for the parts. For the best cheap ignition is to get a 1985 or so duraspark distributor from a mustang(iron tooth gear), msd street fire box, msd wires, hotter coil and you got the bulletproof ignition for about 200-250 bucks. Although a 2bbl can still put out serious power, the stock intake is real constrictive of flow. Find another 200 bucks under your couch, vending machines, whatever, and get yourself a larger cam. This is where the power will really be noticed.