While I am restoring my '72 maverick, the engine, a 302 4V from a 1968 mustang should not be untouched. I have already a Holley carb, Petrox-ignition installed, Headders are ready to install, but there is still some space free for additional +30 HP. whats the best (and cheapest) way to improve the performance? I have seen there is a Edelbrock power package(summit racing) for 1800 $(heads, cam, lifters, manifold etc, result= 360 HP), is this recommondate for daily use? is the engine aible to handle that power?(I don't think it's a 4 bolt block) thanks for helping me.
Rolf- If it was a stock 4V 302 from 1968, it was good for 250 gross HP. That number was calculated diffently starting in 1972. It would probably be about 190-210 HP by todays standard. So, make sure that you are looking at apples and apples. I don't know what type of gas octane ratings you have in your country-that is another thing to consider. I would guess...only guess, that your 302 being stock is about 9.5:1 in compression ratio. It may be different, maybe imported cars were different. Are you sure that it was an original 4V carbed engine originally? Has it been rebuilt? The Edelbrock package will wake things up even more, maybe more than you want. Check on what the Edelbrock heads would do to your compression ratio. I don't have a clue what size the chambers would be compared to the stock '68 heads. If you want seat of the pants performance, and your car has a fresh engine, you may consider going with a lower rear gear ratio. Much cheaper, but it could hurt your mileage. If it is stock, your rear gear is probably 2.79 or 3.0:1, which make a good highway and driving gear, but is not good for drag racing type performance. Good luck. Seth
The Edelbrock heads have 60 cc chambers, they are decent for the money. More money ($300 US) and you could get a set of AFR heads which would provide even more power. The Edelbrock Performer RPM intake is good, the plain Performer is no better than the stock 4-barrel intake. Edelbrock cams are overpriced and just adequate. A Competition Cams XE grind would be much better.
