"Cheap" (inexpensive) Performance Upgrades

Hello;

I haven't posted or viewed the forum for a while , summer time here in Ohio relates to "Car Shows", "Cruising" and "Motor Cycle Riding" ...so been enjoying the (sometimes) nice weather . Anyway....was sitting here thinking . Going to go out an tune up the Mav....new filters, plugs etc.. I always buy good quality parts but wanted others opinions . Do you feel that, lets say the K&N Air Filter, the "High Performance Spark Plugs" (Pulstar, NGK, E3) really make a difference when compared to good quality plugs and filters. I guess what I am asking is the "Hi-Po" stuff (filters and plugs) any different when it comes to performance on a stock Ford 302? Opinions - facts appreciated. Thanks.

 

The K&N filter works but nothing beats regular Autolites in a SBF

 

Sbf ?

Haven't had my second cup of coffee yet (out late lastnight) so a little confused as to what you mean by a "SBF" ?

 

Small Block Ford

 

Single black female

 

"Cheap" and "Performance" should never be used in the same sentence. That said, A free flowing air filter element may net you a minor (very minor) increase in performance/economy as for the fancy pants spark plugs...Dont bother,you will see no gains on a stock engine that amount to anything.
As for simple upgrades that will improve performance but arent necessarily cheap...
Better gears in the diff
Better exhaust system
Improved ignition system
Improved induction sys (Carb/intake)
This is just a few of the obvious...Good luck!!!

 

In our world of "acronyms" you think I would have figured that out....to much "Crown Reserve" :16suspect possibly last night.....thanks.

 

I agree with the "Cheap" and "Performance" miss-match wording....that's why in ( ) I put "inexpensive". As for the performance upgrades. I plan to (putting the list and checking prices) upgrade the current 302; my plans include a somewhat minor "Top End" upgrade, e.g.:

Aluminum Heads (with valve train)
Intake Manifold (4 brl.)
Carb (4 brl.)
Cam (minor thumper...nothing crazy...street machine comp.)
Lifter Kit
Timing Chain Gear Set
All the gaskets

Later or during going to take the current single flow exhaust and put on a dual system.

These upgrades will give me just what I want, I minor upgrade "Street Machine Cruiser". Not planning to race just want that little boost.

But for now (this week) simply doing an oil change - tune up so wanted some opinions.

Thanks.

 

Cheap Bang for the Bucks will be faster timing curve...change heavy advance spring to lighter spring http://www.carbdford.com/viewtopic.php?t=5543

Pre-emission timing gear...replace your timing chain and gears to a pre 72 set http://www.woodyg.com/fairlane/finfo/CamTiming.html

 

Going to check out the web sites...thanks

 

Beings that you have a smog 75 302 (I assume) you might just be better off buying a used stock roller 5.0L.

 

Appreciate the input but No....this 1975 302 only has 40K miles on her and runs great. Not looking for any "racing improvements", simply want the engine to somewhat match some of the body upgrades. She's a looker and needs to simply sound and perform a little better. But I understand your comments.

 

i have been hearing lots of good things about iridium spark plugs. some customers have said they feel seat of the pants increase.
i dont know if a stock motor will show much improvement but they also are supposed to last at least 50,000 miles.

re-curving the distributor is cheap and usually results in noticeable power gains.

 

Thanks for the info. I really like the format in which everything is set into reference to. Great job. Now I can have a little play time with this.

 

I know there are some cheap "good enough for stockers" old schoolers around here.. but I've always thought it odd that some people who spend this much time working on cars have a less sensitive ass dyno. On a lower powered engine.. mine can feel even a just few horsepower and enjoys the improved smoothness. The fuel guage will also tell the tale after a few miles too. I've been using premium plugs in ALL my stuff(if someone makes a premium precious metal plug for it.. I buy it) for years now and it's well worth the money simply because the gaps stay more consistent. How else do you think they can be warranted in todays motors for 100k miles? If I do have to run softer strapped copper stuff.. I check them a few times throughout and usually end up replacing them at least one a year because they just don't stay nice enough for my taste in efficiency.

Here's what I would do to stay on the cheap and still make it worth the effort and time to see sufficient enough gains for power/efficiency(mileage) improvement across the entire rpm range. The more you drive.. the faster they'll pay for themselves too.

First thing is to put GOOD hard metal plugs that will last.

Then move to a freer flowing muffler on the car.. if you're still running the quiet stock type. Dynomax Turbo's are cheap and flow about twice what the stock one does ..especially if you step up the inlet size by about 1-2 steps over stock sizing with an adapter. Plus they give the added bonus of making the motor sound meaner than it really is without being obnoxious.

Then add a hotter coil. This will allow you to use wider plug gaps too and helps efficiency and power as a result. Premium plugs will also compliment this hotter spark as well and will last MUCH longer than any cheap copper plugs softer electrode/ground straps.

As mentioned above.. recurve the distributor to best match the above components and you'll be a happy camper however you're driving it. Gains across the board.. and more money in your pocket after a few thousand miles.

PS. Don't forget to reset your carb's mixture screws after each mod since the idle requirements will change somewhat with each one.