J2Pharren1

As far as your h/c/i recipe question,

According to flow numbers, the AFR 165's are the best flowing heads for a 302, at 250/185 @.500, now, the 185's outflow them obviously but a lot would say they are to big for a 302, maybe a 306 built to rev to 7000 or so, or a 331, but I tend to agree that 185's are a bit to big.

Also again by flow numbers, the edlebrock performer RPM flows the most out of the popular intakes, averaging about 220cfms between the 8 runners, the victory series will flow more but once again, is probobly to big for a 302 setup.

As far as cam, it is by far worth it to get a custom ground cam from Ed Curtis (flowtech inductions) or Jay Allen (I dunno), but if you want an off the shelf cam, the trick flow stage 1 camshaft is a great one for a 302.


The AFR165/RPM/FTI combo is the one I want to go with when the time comes, it has proven itself time and again and I don't think I have heard of that combo not breaking 300whp on stock shortblock. Well, thats assuming the car has the right bolt ons and a real tune.

josh99ta

So AFRs, a good intake, and a custom cam will only get you to break 300rwhp? What does a proper running stock 5.0 normally put down? So to get up into the 400-450rwhp range you're basically looking at a good set of heads, intake, custom cam, and some type of forced induction on a 302 setup correct?

J2Pharren1

You can probobly do it with "lesser" heads as well, but AFR 165's outflow Trick flow and edelbrock performers. And while it is only 300whp or so, you can go low 12's or even 11's with it. To get 400-450 on a 302 FI is the way to go. You can either run a vortech at around 8-10psi with HCI, or you can just go all boost. If you want 400+ with stock heads/cam/intake then a procharger is probobly a better bet, as the "kit" is intercooled and the head unit can make more boost than the strim, however the stock head gaskets and maybe even the head studs will not like 15-18psi very much.

Stock 5.0's put down like 210-220whp and 270-290wtq I believe, its not a lot.

Thoroughbred

I daily drive a 306 with 185's, that doesnt hit 7k...not even 6600....and not for one moment do I regret not buying the 165's!

Josh I think ur on a good path and anyone posting up stuff like 'this set up is the absolute best there is' is pure speculation. Im not trying to imply that a set up like the one Jperran posted isnt good, just dont buy into the 'best set up is this' posts.

J2Pharren1

I don't belive I stated it was the best, I said it has proven itself on the dyno and at the track over and over again, because it has. Some have success with the 185's, obviously you are one of them, others do not. Lots of combos work, I was only giving the one I like.

Thoroughbred

FTI+AFR
I'd tap it

Ed Curtis

No... some make upwards of 325-345 RWHP. It depends on the requests of the customer. If they want performance over dyno numbers, they can build their project with that in mind. Not everyone lives and dies by big dyno numbers in their signature.
~ 250 on a Dynojet
306-310 engines can easily make 390-400 RWHP "naturally aspirated" if they so desire. It's all in the goals of the person who owns the vehicle and who builds the package. There are planty of examples of this, if you know where to look. (www.hardcore50.com)

However, at 3200 pounds, all an LX owner needs is about 290-300 RWHP, 8 inch slicks and a great driver to crack a high eleven. Nearly ten years ago we did 11.90's with 286 RWHP in an 88 LX. Stang regulars remember Bob Cosby's old black coupe.

Ed

josh99ta

So Bob Cosby has been around for a while huh? I remember seeing posts of his on LS1Tech about doing alot with a little. Dont get me wrong, I know its not all about dyno numbers, but more power usually equals more speed. I honestly think what I'm going to try to do is get a solid block (Mexican, Dart, or R302), a forged rotating assembly, and then build the heads and cam around a turbo kit. With a solid block, forged motor, and properly setup heads and cam I see no reason I cant get a turbo motor to support as much boost as I'd need it to for the power level/ET level I'm trying to achieve. Most likely I'll be going with more cubic inches on a 331 or 347 setup simply to get the most out of the setup so I wont have to rely soley on boost to make all the power that I want.

Thoroughbred