[ChrisInTexas]

Hey everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post. I purchased a '67 Mustang with the original 289 bored to 302. It is an okay engine but, I want to build a 2nd engine that is a little hotter but still intended for street only, a daily driver that will be dependable.

I have found an original Ford 302 roller block for very cheap that could be the foundation of my build. I also want to mate it to a 5-speed tranny and a highway geared rear-end, I am looking for good mpg, lower highway rpms but still have respectable torque (if this is possible).

I would appreciate any input and gotcha's to look out for, from you guys. Specific information would be appreciated (brand names, models, etc.).

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by ChrisInTexas

Hey everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post. I purchased a '67 Mustang with the original 289 bored to 302. It is an okay engine but, I want to build a 2nd engine that is a little hotter but still intended for street only, a daily driver that will be dependable.

I have found an original Ford 302 roller block for very cheap that could be the foundation of my build. I also want to mate it to a 5-speed tranny and a highway geared rear-end, I am looking for good mpg, lower highway rpms but still have respectable torque (if this is possible).

I would appreciate any input and gotcha's to look out for, from you guys. Specific information would be appreciated (brand names, models, etc.).

That's a really good set-up you are going with. Is this a bare block? You will need to take the block to your machine shop and have it checked out, Before you start gathering up parts IMHO Along with the swap you will need to buy or fab a new crossmember for the trans not a big deal though, and the drive shaft might have to be changed also. I would go with at least a E-303 cam with a set of GT 40s or some decent aluminum heads JMO and if it's a bare block go with some forged flat-tops JMO Performer rpm intake with at-least a 600 Holley carb maybe even a 3310 750 but the 600 should be ok IMHO
Then you will need to get a set of full length header's with like 2 1/2 inch exhaust no problem on the 67 and some good mufflers i like flow-masters but now there are some others out there as good or even better.
and a set of 3:50 gears a good street gear or maybe 3:91
others will come along with their input also and probably better suggestions.






Cole

[chevelle_502]

Eloc's right definitely get it checked before you build and eat the guy up with any and all questions about the block if he looks like he'll answer. As far as streetablility and better rpm/mpg on the highway I would look at an overdrive for that tranny, like something from gear vendors. Some of your mainstream companies like edelbrock for instance have complete top end kits already matched up for what your lookin for. You can call one of their techs and tell him whatcha got and he'll go through the list for ya and set up a kit that is almost bolt on. I would also call somebody like clevite, they do the same kit idea but with internals.

[Vix76]

I learned a valuable lesson on my first big build. I was young and dumb. I bought the motor for my project, disassembled and cleaned it. I bought a piston, ring and bearing kit. Saved some more money. Bought the cam and springs kit. Saved for the machine work. When I took it to the machine shop I was floored. The crank needed to be turned more than the bearing size I bought. One of the heads was damaged beyond repair. I had matched my piston selection to the head. Now I had to find another set of heads exactly like the first set. I had to return/exchange the bearings. It was a nightmare. Had I of just taken the engine to the machine shop first and found exactly what I had to work with, I could have still saved and purchased components as could afford them. As it turned out I spent more time and money than I could have ever budgeted for. My "killer" build was really a "killer" build! DO ALL OF THE MACHINE WORK AND INSPECTION FIRST!!!

[Vix76]

My best advice is to build a good, strong base(short block). Buy the best parts and machine work that you can afford! This will be a good foundation for all your future components. Your head and cam selection will serve as accents for the solid core of your power plant! Future changes will be easier to implement because you started with a good foundation. Money spent early and wisely is really money saved!