302 help(new guy here)

Drift said:

Ok so I just picked up a 68 mustang coupe as a project car. The 302 motor that is coming with it is already out of the car and needs a rebuild. I figure since it is not my main mode of transportation and I am gonna be rebuilding it anyways, why not upgrade some parts for more power:happyhapp Only problem is that I am new to the "classic" type cars and I dont really know what kind of stuff to do. I am already planning on doing exhaust, headers, cams, intake manifold and carb. I also want to do pistons, rings and rods, I just dont have any idea of what a good brand is. I am not trying to build a monstor motor or anything just something with some power for regular road use. Thanks for any help guys.

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Sounds like you should look at a package such as the Edelbrock performer RPM. This is a matched package of performance parts that are designed to complement each other. (Cam, Intake, Carb, and heads.)
In terms of rods the stock parts should be fine, but with pistons/rings you will want forged or hyper flat tops to raise you compression. Use quality bolts such as ARP, and have the whole assembly well balanced.
This will give you good reliable power, probably about 250-270 rwhp.
Most importantly, find an engine builder who you are comfortable with, and talk through the whole project, making sure they understand what you want to achieve.

Good luck

I took a look around at some Edelbrock RPM Victor cylinder head sets. On ebay they go for like $1049, which is a little too much for my taste. Is there another company that makes a cylinder head set that is any good but cheaper? If not I will just save for those but I want to get the car up and running asap Also, I was wondering if anyone has used the "non-emissions" version of those cylinder heads? I would most likely get those for the extra power and that the emissions laws are pretty relaxed up here in WA. On a happy note my brother got me a Edelbrock intake manifold yesterday:happyhapp

Ebrock carb, cam, intake. Ported heads, dual exhaust. New heads if you can afford it. Pertronix igition, clutch fan.

So on the cam and lifters set, is the Summit Racing one any good? Also what is the difference performance wise between the Edelbrock Perfromance-Plus and the RPM?

I would try to hook up my transmission and rear end before trying to modify the engine. I mean, if you're gonna rebuild it the comments listed here are great ways to build power. But if you have some power and a crappy drivetrain you will not feel it.
Depending upon how much power you have, decide between using the original 8" rear end or going to a stronger 9" version. Either way, pick out some gear ratios based on what you want the car to do. If you just drive it one day a week go for some 4.11's, but if you drive it every day opt for some 3.00's.
Also your transmission has gear ratios inside it. So you should pick the best transmission for your needs. I personally like the T5 5speed manual trans. With one of these you can run gears like 3.73, 3.89, or even 4.11's and haul ass.
Also try to totally rebuild your front and rear end suspension as well as the brake system. It's no fun to have lots of power and crash into a telephone pole

:drink:

I was planning on doing a front drum to disk conversion but I am not sure what parts I would need to do so. As for the tranny stuff, I have a c4 auto tranny and I plan on keeping it that way. And I also have a torque convertor for it.