I am planning on doing a I6 to V8 swap in my 66. I have been looking for 302 's lately and have come across several on the net. I know that alot of people on here talk about using an 88-93 engine but I have also come across a couple 1970 302's and I am wondering what the real differemce would be and is one a better choice than another. I plan on rebuilding the engine no matter what but just wondered if I should pick one over another.
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- Thread starter cjperry81
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SadbutTrue
Founding Member
The later ones have roller cams, which have a host of small advantages over older non-roller cams (wider powerband, slightly more power/mileage, easier to tame on the street, etc). They should also come with EFI equipment, which again could be desirable (again, minor improvements in performance and drivability). Plus the later model E7 heads aren't bad. And they come with forged pistons (some of them, anyway).
Definitely want a late model 5.0 if you can get one.
jspagna1
Member
Just a suggestion, would you be better off buying a crate motor instead. I would think after all is said & done with machining the block and having the motor rebuilt? Unless you are going to rebulid it yourself?
Depends what area you are from. If you find a motor at a junkyard you can get them really cheap sometimes. You can come out WAY a head. The main problem is finding a good/reliable/affordable machinest.
In my area an HO longblock from 88-93 will run you about 450 bucks and are very easy to find in good condition. They can typcally handle 450hp before they split. The early 302 blocks are a tad stronger but as said before, roller cams, small upgrades and a plethera of aftermarket parts driven by the fox plaform really make the last generation of 302s probably ideal for a swap. E7 heads aren't bad but the stock HO intake is the chokepoint. If you stay carb get a stealth and you should be set.
Kevin
Kevin
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