302 upgrades I can take with me to 351w/408?

[70vert]

Hey all,
I'm sure there are a lot of guys in this boat on this forum who have a 302 right now but are planning on a 351w stroker later on. My goal is to not spend a dime on anything that doesn't have to do with my final plan for a 408w. I'd like to get some more speed out of the 302 but take the parts to the 351w/408. There's nothing wrong with the 100k 302-2v, purrs like a kitten with a very slight hairball, but it don't sound tough or go like a musclecar.
So, the question would be, of the following upgrades, what could I take with me to the 408? Any other ideas?

-Headers and exhaust

-Intake mods (I eventually want fuel injection)

-ignition, cooling, etc.

I'm looking for bang for the buck, instant gratification type things. If nothing else maybe I'll just end up getting some dryer vent hose and running my own cold air intake from the snorkel.
I've got the patience to want to do everything right the first time while keeping it driveable as much as possible but some excitement wouldn't hurt.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[65ShelbyClone]

My goal is to not spend a dime on anything that doesn't have to do with my final plan for a 408w..........
........I've got the patience to want to do everything right the first time while keeping it driveable as much as possible but some excitement wouldn't hurt.

Thats good because it will take patience to realize that goal since you cant transfer much of anything from a 302 to a 408.

If you were only getting a 351W in the future, you could go with heads a little too big for the 302 and use them later. Since you're planning a 408, any heads that work even remotely well on a 302 will be far too small. A cam matched for a 302 will likewise not be optimal for something with 106 more cubic inches. The intakes arent physically interchangeable. Just start with stuff you can use on any engine like ignition, cooling, and header-back exhaust.

 

[86bluecobra]

the headers for a 302 and a 351w are different due to the inch difference in deck hieght. basically most things are different. even the distributors are different because of once again the deck hieght issue. like shelby clone said heads cam can switch but the 408 will want way more cam and much better flowing heads then a 302 will like. better to just buy aftermarket goodies for the 408 and be happy with whatever performance the 302 is giving you while you build your torque monster.

 

[Max Power]

Shelbyclone hit the nail on the head. Anything that would work well on a 408 will be huge overkill for a 302.

Any money you spend on the 302 will be money you could have spent on the 408.

 

[70vert]

thanks guys

I was hoping that at least headers and exhaust could be added. I guess I'll just have to be happy with a cruiser, not a bruiser, for now.