302 from explorer

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Grabbing a 302 from an Explorer is a good idea.

Stroking it to 347 with the 302 heads and induction is not such a good idea.

Here's a good article on what's involved in making HP. Look at all of the parts that are "beef up" parts:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/make-503hp-with-a-350-junkyard-302/

With an explorer motor in good shape, I'd replace all the important hardware with ARP, replace the cam, gaskets and seals then boost the crap out of it with whatever Super Charger floats your boat.
 
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Grabbing a 302 from an Explorer is a good idea.

Stroking it to 347 with the 302 heads and induction is not such a good idea.

Here's a good article on what's involved in making HP. Look at all of the parts that are "beef up" parts:

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/make-503hp-with-a-350-junkyard-302/

With an explorer motor in good shape, I'd replace all the important hardware with ARP, replace the cam, gaskets and seals then boost the crap out of it with whatever Super Charger floats your boat.
Add some new high quality valve springs to go with a cam that will have higher lift and steeper ramps so that the valves open and close quicker.
 
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96 and early 97's were as good as it gets.

Yup, those were as close to '93 Cobra as you'll get. After that, small differences started to show up. Nothing earth shattering, but I'd try and find the above as you get the gt40 heads, along with the egr equipped intake that is easier to bolt on a mustang and the 65mm tb that is more easily converted for fox use.

Of course if slapping a new top end on, any 96-01 short block will do fine