Right now I'm in the preparation phase for doing some mildy-warmed over improvements on the '87's 302. Based on what has been determined in it's own thread, it is currently assumed a burnt valve on cylinder 1 is resulting in virtually no compression, so the head needs to come off. Considering the work necessary I've decided to toss on a set of free E7s in place of the factory E6s with a few other things. All donor components are from a '89 Mustang that got a complete top end rebuild.
That said, I want to make sure I've got a good idea of things going forwards as I've been cruising the forum going through threads just to ensure I'll be ready to go. Just for clarification, this is not a full HO swap, but hopefully something to add a touch of pep to a LoPo.
So, things that are changing:
Mustang 63mm throttle body
Bored LoPo EGR Spacer
HO Upper Intake
E7 Heads
HO Valve Covers (Just Because)
Things that aren't changing:
ECU
Camshaft
Lower Intake
Fuel Injectors (14# type)
Exhaust Manifolds (1990 Lincoln Logs)
Transmission Shift Governor
Exhaust System (Converted to Dual exhaust, factory size pipe)
I figure slightly better flowing heads and intake should still pair reasonably well with the low end torque LoPo cam. Maybe if I'm lucky power output would be roughly in the 180-190 HP range over 160 HP. That's probably a bit optimistic, but I'm sure there should be some improvement over the paltry 160 HP.
Anyway, that moves to getting stuff stripped down and back together, so a few questions/things to verify:
1.) Any tricks on getting an EGR spacer off? I realize the studs that go through the spacers like to corrode and lock those things up. I've got to get the Mustang spacer off so I can fit up the bored one on.
2.) Anything special that should be used on the lower intake gaskets? I know they should need a dab of RTV in each corner where the little strips will run across between the heads. Does anything need to go around the water ports?
3.) Anything special I should do when removing the push rods beyond keeping them in order in which they are removed?
4.) Do the cylinder head bolts need any thread sealer put on them?
5.) Would 1.7 roller rockers be worth my time/money in this situation? I recall having them mentioned to me a while ago and was curious if anyone was using them. If so, I'll start looking for a good set.
If anyone else has anything else to add suggestion/tip wise, feel free.
I want to be able to move into working on this with a solid game plan. I'll be in possession of the "new-to-me" parts on the 29th. I'll probably kick off the repairs in August. In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and get all my gaskets and such that'll be needed.
That said, I want to make sure I've got a good idea of things going forwards as I've been cruising the forum going through threads just to ensure I'll be ready to go. Just for clarification, this is not a full HO swap, but hopefully something to add a touch of pep to a LoPo.
So, things that are changing:
Mustang 63mm throttle body
Bored LoPo EGR Spacer
HO Upper Intake
E7 Heads
HO Valve Covers (Just Because)
Things that aren't changing:
ECU
Camshaft
Lower Intake
Fuel Injectors (14# type)
Exhaust Manifolds (1990 Lincoln Logs)
Transmission Shift Governor
Exhaust System (Converted to Dual exhaust, factory size pipe)
I figure slightly better flowing heads and intake should still pair reasonably well with the low end torque LoPo cam. Maybe if I'm lucky power output would be roughly in the 180-190 HP range over 160 HP. That's probably a bit optimistic, but I'm sure there should be some improvement over the paltry 160 HP.
Anyway, that moves to getting stuff stripped down and back together, so a few questions/things to verify:
1.) Any tricks on getting an EGR spacer off? I realize the studs that go through the spacers like to corrode and lock those things up. I've got to get the Mustang spacer off so I can fit up the bored one on.
2.) Anything special that should be used on the lower intake gaskets? I know they should need a dab of RTV in each corner where the little strips will run across between the heads. Does anything need to go around the water ports?
3.) Anything special I should do when removing the push rods beyond keeping them in order in which they are removed?
4.) Do the cylinder head bolts need any thread sealer put on them?
5.) Would 1.7 roller rockers be worth my time/money in this situation? I recall having them mentioned to me a while ago and was curious if anyone was using them. If so, I'll start looking for a good set.
If anyone else has anything else to add suggestion/tip wise, feel free.
I want to be able to move into working on this with a solid game plan. I'll be in possession of the "new-to-me" parts on the 29th. I'll probably kick off the repairs in August. In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and get all my gaskets and such that'll be needed.
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