Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

[Alrobot]

Re: Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

Wally:<br />Oh, that makes much more sense now. <br />Al...

 

[WSUDERMAN]

Re: Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

Valv,<br />Speaking from similar experience, do it! It's totaly worth it. I have a 305 gmc OMC that was rated @ 185 hp. Here is what i did;<br />1. New Edelbrock Marine Carb #1409 (COST $260)<br />2. New 2101 intake (Cost $109)<br />3. K&N marine spark arrestor (cost $75)<br />4. 1.6 ratio roller rockers (cost $75)<br />5. New exhaust manifolds (cost $350 Old ones where leaking!<br />6. Other basic tune up parts and tricks (timing etc...)<br /><br />Total cost was under $900 (under $600 without the exhaust manifolds) yielded the following results;<br />1. WOT speed of 43 to 53 mph - GPS not speedo.<br />2. WOT rpm went from 4300 to 5300 <br /><br />All this forced a prop change! stainless (cost about $350) I am still working on finding the right prop for this setup though...

 

[gjsullivan]

Re: Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

The first engine I rebuilt was a 302 for a 69 mustang car. With stock manifold and 600CFM holley 4bbl carb the difference was from 190 HP to about 220. I just sold a 67 CorrectCraft Mustang with a 289 (302 with slightly shorter stroke) It had a stock 2 bbl at 190hp. Correct Craft rated the 4 bbl at 210. If you can find the Marine carb and manifold cheap it may be worth it. For new parts is 20 to 30hp worth $600. You can probably get away with the same prop. Note, if you start looking at new cam, 351 heads (they are semi hemi and were used on the ford BOSS 302) you are now looking in the range of 290HP with a lot more stress on the engine. This is close to 1HP/cu/in. Not many engines achieve that. The BOSS 302 used 4 bolt main bearings instead of the stock 2 bolt mains. As others mentioned with all that additional HP you will be turning your prop to fast and will need to find a new prop. A prop shop can help calculate what you will need but that will add another 300 to $400. And add the new heads, and cam so that the big valves in the 351 heads can breath, and now you're in the 1200 to $1500 range. It is a lot of work unless you really need it. My suggestion for is go for a Mallory marine elctronic ignition. It will give your great starts and consistent running all year long.

 

[No EFI]

Re: Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

Or you could go the easy route use the 4 bbl and Weiand stealth, change to a set of 1.7 roller rockers. You'll get more lift from your cam and never have to pull the front cover. I've seen the stealth work well on mild engines and serious engines too. A great all around intake. I dont know the answer on the corrosion from fresh water with aluminum intakes, but I have no reason to doubt it- just ignorance, not trying to offend. Good Luck

 

[flashback]

Re: Ford 302 from 2 barrel to 4 barrel, is it worth it ?

Well Valv, I guess we have gone full circle here, let us know what you decide to do........good luck