does anyone know if the rods from a 77 302 are decently strong.I am trying to put together a motor on a budget
I am guessing the engine to be about 300hp. I am planning on flattop pistons, .512 lift cam, gt40 heads with roller rockers, performer rpm intake and headers. I am trying to put together a cheap engine to race with.
I don't see why the stock rods wouldn't be able to handle 300 hp.i def.would upgrade to some bigger arp rod bolts,though.
No need for bigger bolts, just replace the stockers with the same size ARP bolts. They're good to 7500 rpms with good bolts.
.512's not a problem with stock style pistons. I did this in a cheepo build with Silvolite flat tops, a B303 cam with 1.7 rockers. (.510 lift) This was a $350 reman short block that I replaced the rod bolts in the assembled engine one at a time. This motor lasted well over a year and a half with daily freeway blasts to 6500, then to 7500 after a swap to Canfields and a Vic Jr intake. The rods held up fine, the #4 cylinder wall split halfway in the bore.
