- Joined
- Sep 22, 2007
- Messages
- 12,267
- Reaction score
- 7,274
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Michigan
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Engine Size
- 177 CID
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
- My credo
- A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
A 83 stang 302 is going to be pretty weak. A stock 2.9 makes 140hp/170ftlbs. The 83 302 is probably in the 150hp neighborhood but with around 230-240ftlb. Might be a bit more as those are crown vic numbers IIRC.Thank you!! That helps more then you know.
I'll definitely look into doing flat top pistons and an electric driven fan. I may look into a 4.0 radiator if that would help. (how do I go about that?)
I am pretty worried about MPG (I'd rather not take the lift or tires off) so if that helps that would be huge.
I do have the chance to buy a 83 Mustang with a running 302 in it for pretty cheap so I'm curious what the input is on that.
The plan is to do a cross country trip in a few months for work so I am building a camping setup. Would the 302 be better with all the extra weight? Or should I stick with the 2.9, flat top pistons, etc.
That being said the build options on a 302 are basically endless (including stroker builds).
The 2.9 should return the best mileage of the things youre considering, with the 302 being the worst. The 4.0 falling somewhere in the middle.
The 302 is going to handle the weight the best. The 2.9 will for sure do it, and once you get out of the mountains should chug along pretty good with the proper gearing, but its not going to be fast. Honestly, under your conditions with 9 inchs of total lift and 35's if you dont think youll be happy with a 2.9, youre pry not gonna be happy with a 4.0 either, and should pry just go 302.
I would try to find a later model (94+) roller 302 as they were the strongest power wise (205ish hp, 275ish ftlb) and use that. Unless you plan on building it then the 83 block is fine to start with.
Honestly, even a 351W isnt that hard to get in (a bit harder then a 302, but its been done semi often) and would give you all the power you ever need even stock.
A 4.0 radiator from an automatic explorer literally bolts right in you just need to use the explorers upper radiator hose
Also remember, if youre on the factory D28/7.5 axles, youre gonna have to swap at some point. With a 2.9 (and probably a 4.0) the rear 7.5 should do ok as long as you dont hammer it to hard, but with a V8 i wouldnt expect to much from it.
The front D28 under 35's probably isnt going to go far even with a stock 2.9
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