Need more power

[trx250r]

Right now i have a '73 302 swapped into my ranger and its a lil doggier than i would like. I put on an edelbrock performer intake and a holley 600cfm carb, but i need more. From what i can tell '73 was about the lowest power rating for the SBF. What can I do for about $200. I was thinking of trying to swap on 351w heads, but I dont know too much on the subject.

 

[Teddyzee]

GT40 heads can be bought in that price. They are similar in performance to the C9 351 heads.
A head swap is very simple to do, even with the engine in the truck.

 

[originalnitro]

Even with a head swap it will still be down on power because of its low compression ratio. A better option would to save a little more $ and get a later model 5.0 and use your intake, carb and dizzy.

 

[trx250r]

Would I run into any problems shaving the gt40 heads to get a little more compression? I have a buddy that could fly cut them down for me.

 

[Psychopete]

Even with a head swap it will still be down on power because of its low compression ratio. A better option would to save a little more $ and get a later model 5.0 and use your intake, carb and dizzy.

Plus later model will be a roller engine, but would have to swap gears on the distributors - roller cam will need a steel gear, flat tappet takes a cast.

Then sell what you have ...

 

[Mac]

Doing a head swap will not really gain anything. The chambers you should have now are 58cc while the GT-40's are around 64cc's. Big problem is the deeper dished pistons plus the .025" higher deck height. My old time machinest also told me that the 73-76 302's had their timing retarded (at crank?) due to emmisons. Best like several have said, save up for a good late model or a good rebuild.
Dave

 

[baddad457]

In addition to what the others have posted, the Performer intake was also a poor choice. It's simply a 4 bbl version of the stock 2 bbl one. And the stock cams are retarded 4 degrees, a timing set swap will fix that, but really add nothing as it's a pretty small cam to start with. Want bang for the buck ? Go find a 94-97 5.0 from a pickup or van, port the exhaust sides of the heads (mainly remove the thermactor bumps from the port roof) swap on a set of 1.7 Cobra rockers (or Crane's 1.7 Energizers) switch to a Performer RPM, Weiand Stealth or Ford Racing A321 intake. This combo will give you an honest 250-275 HP and is a great daily driver that will fry the rear tires on demand.