So what IS the best minimum-mod drop-in engine?

[johnunit]

I don't think there is any Ford-produced or reasonably streetable aftermarket head and intake that won't fit up. About the only thing you have to watch out for is emissions compatiblity if you need it (do the heads and/or intakes have heated crossovers for EGR) and header fitment. Header fitment is really only an issue on GT40P headers and then "highport" heads, which literally have the exhaust port exiting 0.100" or more higher than stock. Most of those would be at least on the edge of "too big" for a street driven 302 though.

The exception would be if you have a used set of heads or intake that has been milled significantly, that could cause fitment issues which I gather can be somewhat pricey to rectify.

[1990LTD]

Myself and a pile of other people are running carb intakes with P heads.... No fitment issues whatsoever...

What carb do you run?

[marquisman]

Myself and a pile of other people are running carb intakes with P heads.... No fitment issues whatsoever...

yup, never had any issues with my build

[DsTrBd]

I'd look for a 96-99 Cobra motor with 305 h.p. stock from the factory. Its an aluminum block called the TEKSID that was made in Italy and are 4 valve dual overhead cams. You can't beat the power and will knock down real decent mileage since its not a race car.

[1987cp]

^^ True, if someone's willing to go Modular, the '99 Cobra motor (and what was it, 3550 trans?) might be a very decent option. Only thing, I've been told the stock Cobra ECM is meant to interface somehow with the instrument panel, of all things. Guy I know who put one in a custom Mustang told me it took quite a bit of footwork, visiting different dealers and ECM specialists, just to get the thing running.

[lincolnlarry]

How about this? Less work with warrenty!!!!http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...KeyField=11752
340 HP 350TQ
Just a thought.

[lincolnlarry]

This with Lentec AOD and tri-y headers, traction lock rear means tickets-o'-plenty!!!

[pantera77]

Speaking of intakes for a second, I'm almost positive that turbo made a post on CVN about how the gt40 style lower intake doesn't flow well with e7 heads. Not sure if there's any truth to that, just something I found interesting.

[zoomie]

As for the cobra teksidblock
The complete teksidblock can be found also in early 90s mark viii although detuned it's the same motor

[mrltd]

How about this? Less work with warrenty!!!![ATTACH=CONFIG]30882[/ATTACH]http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...KeyField=11752
340 HP 350TQ
Just a thought.

Yeah, saw one of those on a dyno. My "new" explorer motor put down the same HP and more tq. And only cost 1700 dumped on my doorstep.

A few other of the members here were at that dyno day.

[88Vic]

^Where did you buy your engine? I'm looking for a good retailer to buy a reman Explorer 302, I guess a 96 is preferrable for the regular GT40 heads with the standard spark plug angle.

[mrltd]

Mine was not a reman. It was a brand new motor. They are sold out now. It was from Dahmer powertrain.

[Crownvicman289]

Speaking of intakes for a second, I'm almost positive that turbo made a post on CVN about how the gt40 style lower intake doesn't flow well with e7 heads. Not sure if there's any truth to that, just something I found interesting.

Are you sure he didn't say that it outflowed the E7s? My 289 has the Exploder intake on and it pulls a lot harder than it did carb'd which leads me to believe it's an excellent complement to an E7 headed engine.

[Mercracer]

What carb do you run?

650 DP Holley

[1990LTD]

650 DP Holley