Looking for engine advice for my 73 convertible

On Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:51:40 -0800 (PST), snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote something wonderfully witty:

Absolutely no reason at all that a 'decent' mechanic can't get that particular horsepower range out of a 302, especially if the engine is being rebuilt. One of the biggest advantages of the 302 Ford is the small outside dimensions. The 302 is 3 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the 351W, allowing it to fit into small engine compartments. There are numerous after market companies that offer "Stroker" kits to bring your 302 up to a 347, while retaining that same over external engine size.

See

an article on a stroker build. Check out Eddies Performance @ wherethey claim no problem at all getting ~450hp out of a normallyaspirated ford 302 engine. I believe the typical anemic ratings for a stock 72/73 302 are 141 BHP @ 4,000 RPM. Fairly disappointing given what most manufacturers are able to do today with a 4-banger.

347 in that little car? The low end on that engine should be pretty awsome. Does the stroke increase hurt the top-end power due to higher piston speeds?

Excellent advise, but FYI a 1973 Mustang easily fits a 429/460 in it's engine compartment with room to spare, so in this instance, the size differance between the 302 and a 351 are of little to no concern..

for an article on a stroker build.>

"corky" wrote in news:gQYaj.72$dY1.22 @newsfe02.lga:

A '73 Mustang is not a little car. You must be thinking of the Mustang II, which began in '74.

The '73 is kindova boat. Pretty heavy at around

3700# or so. With a rebuild you really want to get some torque out of the engine. And the engines were starting to become smog choked. The stock engine doesn't make near the power it should. '73 is the last year for the convertable. If it's still all original, you'de want to keep it that way. With that thought in mind, bigger is better. Go with a 331 or 347 stroker. Good power, reasonable cost. Lots of companies make stroker kits for the stock block; try Coast High, Keith Craft, and PAW for starters. Machine work is pretty simple, too. Nothing fancy there. Increase the compression, add a good cam, good intake and carb, shorty headers and dual exhaust, and some ported stock heads and you'll be amazed. Swapping to a 351W based engine is a great way to pick up some good power. But front accessories and exahaust will be differant. That'll add to cost and complexity. In '73, you also have to be conserned about emissions requirements. Check the local laws before doing anything.

No replacement for displacement. My comments were primarily geared to the fact that you already have the 302 on hand. The simplifies things, especially cash flow.

Thanks everyone for the great advice here. Like I said, i'm not going to be racing it or anything. I just want a reliable cruising car that will get up and go when I want it to. The car is in pretty great shape, so I think i'm going to take the advice in this thread and stick with the 302, and make my modifications from there. Thanks for the great links.