302 / 275 Horsepower Engine
Below is a list of frequently questions and concerns
What application vehicles would this engine work best with and how is it different from the 350HP / 302?
This engine will work with a wide range of year, make and models. For instance Early to later model Mustangs, Kit Cars, Hot Rods & Trucks to name a few. We will match up the necessary components to your vehicles requirements. For Example a 1966 V8 Mustang will require a different oil pan, flwheel, harmonic balancer and Water Pump then a 1985 Ford V8 Mustang! Our 275HP / 302 engine has the Mustang GT Cast Iron cylinder Heads in place instead of the Aluminum Cylinder Heads as our 350 or 373HP / 302 motors have. The camshaft is slightly moe moderate as well.
What about idle quality and will I have enough vacuum to run my accessories ?
We would rate this engine as a decent idle quality goes. It has a little bit of a rumpy sound to it but it's still pretty street friendly. Usual idle is around 900-1000 RPMs. This will depend upon other factors. Vacuum will be fine for running accessories like Air conditioning, Power Steering and Power Brakes.
What other engine will this engine interchange with ?
The 289 and of course another 302 will interchange very easily with this motor. Earlier applications like a 221 or 260 can work with some minor modifications. 4 and 6 cylinder conversions also a possibility. Speak to one of our sales / techs on this.
What octane gas does this engine require ?
All our engines will run on good quality pump gas. This engines compression is below 10 to 1 so it can run very comfortably within 89 to 91 octane range.
What is the Redline that this engine be taken up to ?
This particular engine we would suggest RPMs be kept to under 5500 RPMs.
What is the Power Range of the engine ?
1500 thru to5500 RPMs Making this great a very broad and streetable setup!
Will my stock Transmission work with this engine ?
Yes in most cases. A great deal of our customers re-use or freshen up their existing transmission. For mostly cruising around and / or laying down some rubber once in a while the factory transmission will hold up fine. Those of you who are doing holeshots and abusing the crap out of your car (You know who you are!) you may want to step things up. We may be able to give you some ideas or just talk to a Tranny guy. If your without a transmission and looking for advice on which to choose from. A heavier duty C4, C6 or a modified AOD Automatic Transmission will do the trick. For Manual Transmissions there's a lot available like the popular Tremec 5 or 6 speeds or just the T5 5 SPEED.
Will I need a higher Stall speed torque Converter to compliment this engine ?
This question applies to Automatic Transmissions only. It's not required, the factory converter will be OK to use. But depending upon the use of the vehicle on the street or the track then maybe one step up on the factory stall speed could improve acceleration off the line. Perhaps1 step up on the converter will be fine. Other factors like the weight, gearing , tire size can come into play too. Speak to a Transmission expert on this.
Will it be required to change out my Rear End & What Rear end and Gearing is recommended with this engine ?
Two part question. Yes many of our customers past and present have used their existing rear end gears. But putting in a higher performance engine with a lower gear ratio can result in loss of the seat of pants torque feeling we all yearn for. This again comes into play what you want to do with the vehicle. For the most part a rear end gear ratio of 3.55 up towards 4.11 would be ideal for a balance of running on the highway at a fair RPM level and laying down some rubber when you punch the accelerator. The RPM range that you drive in most will determine what's best for your situation. Speak with a Rear end expert for some assistance on this matter.
Can I use my existing Exhaust manifolds? Are Headers required and what diameter should be used ?
Yes you can bolt up your existing exhaust manifolds and in most if not all occasions that will be a direct fit. But as you may know an engine acts like a vacuum pump the more efficient the air and fuel is delivered in and exits out the better and more responsive it will become. The Edelbrock Aluminum Cylinder Heads on this engine have the same factory bolt pattern to work with pretty much any standard Header. A square port designed header would mate up best. A general idea in Header size would fall in place of 1" 5/8 to 1" 3/4. If you go with replacement Headers it's a good idea to spend some extra money for a quality Header with thicker flanges to avoid warpage and leaking down the road!
What size Radiator is recommended ?
Last but not least! This engine or any other engine we offer needs to run cool to expect long term results out of it. A used / older radiator that has been sitting around is not worth cleaning and reusing . A new 3 or 4 core Radiator is a cheap investment compared to an overheated $5,000.00 engine! It's worth the investment to spend a couple of hundred bucks to get a new radiator. Pay a little now or pay a lot Later philosophy. There's plenty of good Radiator companies out there
Back to the 302 / 275 HP Carbureted Engine
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