The Ford Torino Page Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Powertrain Specific Forum > Small Block Forum
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - 1978 302
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

1978 302

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123
Author
Message
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 12:15AM
1978 block, not sure about the heads though. Conventional rear end with 3.00 gears
Back to Top
Rockatansky View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 30-July-2010
Location: On The Road
Status: Offline
Points: 6059
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 10:20AM
Originally posted by Rockatansky Rockatansky wrote:

it is hard to beat Factory Ford Quality
 
first thing I would do is ID what you have there already, if it runs kinda great like you're describing you may already have GT40/P heads on that motor? 1978 was a long time ago, plenty of time to be overhauled & hopped up before you got it
 
you could easily $pend away & not come out with a significant improvement, seen it plenty of times a guy tears down a great running engine because 'it wasn't built enough' only to put together an unhappy combo that needs to be re-worked again
 
maybe just RDI (remove, dis-assemble & inspect) the engine you have, figure out what about it makes it work as well as it does, re-assemble & reseal before jumping the shark
 
what if you just did your EFI on that engine as-is?
72 GT Ute
   
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 10:44AM
Originally posted by Rockatansky Rockatansky wrote:

Originally posted by Rockatansky Rockatansky wrote:

it is hard to beat Factory Ford Quality
 
first thing I would do is ID what you have there already, if it runs kinda great like you're describing you may already have GT40/P heads on that motor? 1978 was a long time ago, plenty of time to be overhauled & hopped up before you got it
 
you could easily $pend away & not come out with a significant improvement, seen it plenty of times a guy tears down a great running engine because 'it wasn't built enough' only to put together an unhappy combo that needs to be re-worked again
 
maybe just RDI (remove, dis-assemble & inspect) the engine you have, figure out what about it makes it work as well as it does, re-assemble & reseal before jumping the shark
 
what if you just did your EFI on that engine as-is?
 
Yes I agree with you because the engine runs very good. EFI for that isn't very much but I kina wanted the added HP too.
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 11:12AM
without pulling the valve covers yet...the heads have 10 stamped on the front of them. On the back side towards the fire wall on the passenger side flange is a number 2
 
Just found out the 2 stands for a 2 barrel carb...not cool


Edited by weaverT1971 - 18-August-2014 at 1:49PM
Back to Top
Big Bird View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25-August-2013
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 4194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 2:44PM
Yeah, but... what heads are they. 302s were 2 bbl only thru most of their production, so would only have a (maybe) different head for a year (1968). Mustang GT with a 4bbl (83-85) didn't get special heads. 86 gt (EFI) used E6 passenger heads, 87-up used E7 truck heads until gt-40 and derivatives in the mid 90s.
289 heads (2bbl or 4 bbl) had heads with the same valves and combustion chamber, which was a smaller combustion chamber than later 302 heads, andeven the hi-po was mostly carb, cam, exhaust improvements (and adjustable rockers)
In short, there are no REALLY bad 302 heads, they are mostly the same.




Edited by Big Bird - 18-August-2014 at 2:47PM
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 3:24PM
I've always wondered since we're on the discussion of heads....why do people get 3 angle valve jobs and port and polish when you get aluminum heads that have bigger ports, are lighter and are better performers? Is it cheaper to port and polish? I guess what I'm asking is if aluminum heads are so good then why doesn't everyone just throw their old cast irons out and buy aluminum?

Edited by weaverT1971 - 18-August-2014 at 3:31PM
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14606
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 6:08PM
well there could be an entire forum devoted to just this subject!!!! and probably just as many opinions as there are heads out there!!!! but basically cast iron production heads are mass produced for new vehicles, that are sold to ordinary people (they work -who cares- they got your money another car sold) then along come us "hotrodders" who think how can we make this better! Thumbs Up so somebody sees an area that can be improved, then someone else finds a way to improve on that! and when there isn't enough to improve on then somebody else says we'll make our own line from scratch and include all those plus more, hence the "aftermarket" parts are born! Clap which give us "car guys" OPTIONS!!! to be able to custom taylor things just the way we want to!!!

 so i'll leave you guys with my most famous quote that i'm known for always saying--- "LIFE'S TOO SHORT, TO DRIVE STOCK"!!! Wink
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
Grantorinosport351 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 11-August-2013
Location: Nocona tx
Status: Offline
Points: 1312
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Grantorinosport351 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-August-2014 at 11:17PM
And or crap john
~Bryan
72 gts h-code (formal roof)
67falcon
04 f250 ''the great white''
Back to Top
unlovedford View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 17-December-2010
Location: Tennessee
Status: Offline
Points: 10142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-August-2014 at 1:42AM
I have a set of 78 model 302 heads in storage. They have been mildly reworked, screw-in studs. Tried selling them and was told that they were the worst SBF heads ever made. Tried getting $50 for them, no bites. I have a 1968 302/4Bbl engine with the factory 4V heads. Not much difference, I'll bet between 2V and 4V heads back then. In fact, a popular upgrade was to bolt on a set of 351W 4V heads that had been milled to keep the compression up. In short, a mid-70's basically stock 302 is just a reliable engine, but not a powerhouse. Newer is better.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)
Back to Top
Big Bird View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25-August-2013
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 4194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-August-2014 at 9:55AM
78-up 302 and 351 use the same heads (with bigger bolt holes on the 351)  until the end of carbueration.
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
Back to Top
unlovedford View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 17-December-2010
Location: Tennessee
Status: Offline
Points: 10142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-August-2014 at 10:00AM
The 1969 351W 4V heads were great heads that would greatly increase the 302's breathing. But, to get the full effect, they needed to be slightly milled or run on a block with higher compression.

I was not aware of the '78 - up versions being the same. No demand here for them. CL has some great deals, as this is Chevrolet country, not Ford. Great for buying, sucks for selling.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)
Back to Top
Big Bird View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25-August-2013
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 4194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-August-2014 at 10:03AM
289 heads, 2 bbl or 4 bbl. smaller combustion chambers and decent ports. Like the 1969 351 heads, they will need hardened valve seats, eventually. That and a good cam/intake/exhaust.
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
Back to Top
fordpower View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 02-September-2010
Location: willseyville,ny
Status: Offline
Points: 1763
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fordpower Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-August-2014 at 10:35AM
Some people just think its cool to do the iron heads.My 302 that does not run has 1974 falcon heads and block.I know ford did not make a falcon in 74 but all markings state 74 falcon. The prev. owner had the heads redone 2.0 stainless chev val. drilled for 1.6 roller rockers It now has we believe a crack in the right exhaust seat.
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-August-2014 at 12:23PM
If I choose to go with the Edelbrock kit....How hard is it to install? Honestly it doesn't look very hard at. I actually have worked on cars a lot but it's been mostly body work, paint, tune ups, brakes, some front end work stuff like that. The thing that really scare me is degreeing the cam the right way.
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14606
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-August-2014 at 12:47PM
if you can do all that other stuff , then you can do this! i just set all of mine using the "o" degree mark on adjustable timing sets. but using a degree wheel and checking your true TDC is not a bad idea since someone may have mixed and matched different parts on your engine???
probably the hardest part is lifting the cam up and through each cam bearing (find a 6" bolt that threads into the end of the cam, to use as a "handle")


Edited by californiajohnny - 20-August-2014 at 12:48PM
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
Big Bird View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 25-August-2013
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 4194
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-August-2014 at 12:52PM
The hardest part will be putting the timing cover back on (if you do the work w/engine in car). Other then that, simple stuff.
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-August-2014 at 1:40PM
Thanks you guys, There's so much experience and knowledge on this forum it's awesome!
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 1:13AM
My next question is about headers....the car has a brand-new exhaust system on it with flow masters. But it has the stock exhaust manifolds on it. If I'm doing this upgrade I mise well through headers on there too. But, I don't really want to have to modify the exhaust system so it looks like I would have to get shorty headers instead of full length headers. Is there a shorty that would be the same length as the stocks that with just bolt on to the down pipes with out modification?
Back to Top
dave302 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 08-October-2009
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 3171
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dave302 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 1:46AM
The passenger side exhaust manifold is probably going to be shorter than the passenger side shorty headers that you will find and it has a longer down pipe than the driver side.
 
The drivers side exhaust manifold is a little bit longer (it has a shorter down pipe), but i believe you will still have to modify the down pipe on that side also.
 
Unless they make direct replacement headers. In the link below you can see many pictures of the different shorty headers that are available for your car/engine combination and you can compare them to yours.
 
Maybe one of the other members will know of an exact brand of shorty headers that are a direct bolt on replacement.
 
To see many of the shorty headers available for your car/engine combination Click Here.

Edited by dave302 - 21-August-2014 at 2:15AM
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14606
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 1:09PM
i went with the jba 351w headers on my car fit well, excellent quality, not cheap, but since you have a 302, the 302 ones were quite a bit less money. a local exhaust shop should be able to just make a short head pipe to weld onto your existing system as long as it's in good shape.
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 2:46PM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

i went with the jba 351w headers on my car fit well, excellent quality, not cheap, but since you have a 302, the 302 ones were quite a bit less money. a local exhaust shop should be able to just make a short head pipe to weld onto your existing system as long as it's in good shape.
Cool thanks. The whole exhaust system from the manifolds back is brand new stainless.
 
Back to Top
californiajohnny View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar

Joined: 05-October-2013
Location: winlock, wa
Status: Offline
Points: 14606
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 2:58PM
nice! don't try to use the 351w headers on your 302 they are close to the tranny bellhousing on the passenger side, the 302 is narrower at the head (351w taller wider block- so their heads are farther away)
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
Back to Top
Regul8r View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: 26-December-2007
Location: Sarasota FL
Status: Offline
Points: 6624
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Regul8r Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21-August-2014 at 4:19PM
80s-90 Mustang GT factory headers fit a Torino with no issue.
Carl Corey (Moderator/Event Coordinator) Contact ANYTIME!
1976 Ford Elite "Lola Mae"
97 Suzuki Intruder 1400
US Army Retired
Back to Top
unlovedford View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 17-December-2010
Location: Tennessee
Status: Offline
Points: 10142
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-August-2014 at 2:34AM
I have a set of those "Shorties" for sale cheap.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)
Back to Top
weaverT1971 View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-June-2014
Location: jamestown ny
Status: Offline
Points: 122
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote weaverT1971 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22-August-2014 at 2:56AM
Originally posted by unlovedford unlovedford wrote:

I have a set of those "Shorties" for sale cheap.


PM sent
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.141 seconds.