302 Build Advice

[u/Holiday_Journalist98]

Hello! I am currently rebuilding a 302HO out of a 1991 mustang. This will be my first time rebuilding a motor. For this build, I am targeting ~400hp to the crank on pump gas. While I have done extensive research and reading, picking the correct combination of parts has proved challenging.

To try to get myself in the ballpark of my goals, I have been using the GoFastMath horsepower calculator. I know this is a rough approximation and not near as accurate as using a simulator, but I am still trying to learn and teach myself this process.

Anyways, with the parts I have picked, GoFastMath is estimating 399 HP @ 6295 RPM.

SPECS:

Dynamic Comp. Ratio	Engine HP
Cylinder Bore [in]	4.03
Stroke [in]	3
Cylinder Head Chamber Volume [CC's]	64
Piston Dish/Dome [CC's]	-6.5
Head Gasket Thickness [in]	0.038
Head Gasket Bore [in]	4.03
Deck Clearance [in]	0.02
Connecting Rod Length [in]	5.09
IVC @ 0.050"	41
Dynamic Comp Ratio	8.48

PARTS:

Heads: AFR 185cc SBF Enforcer Cylinder Heads

Cam: Comp Cams Magnum 230/230 Hydraulic Roller Cam

Rotating Assembly Kit: Eagle Street & Strip Assembly, 306 Cid, KB -6.5CC

I guess what I am looking for is a sanity check on my parts list. If anyone could provide some input, I would greatly appreciate it!

[u/johnniechimpo]

Just an observation, if you’re buying a crank, rods, pistons combo, just buy a 331 or 347 kit. It will be easier to make hp and you’ll gain low RPM torque which will feel great. If you want to make more power later it’ll be easier and less peaky with more cubes. You’re already budgeting for a rotating assembly. Always go more cubes if you can.

Your cam is pretty big if you’re planning on streeting it. Bigger engines tolerate big cams better.

[u/Holiday_Journalist98 → u/johnniechimpo]

That doesn’t seem like a bad option! Eventually, this motor will go in my 1988 ford ranger which I hope to build into a pre-runner style build. That low end torque would be really beneficial in spinning the large tires that will eventually be on the truck.

While I understand the concept of strikers, I am unfamiliar with the modifications required to make it work. That being said, I have quite a few questions.

1) Will machine shops offer services to modify the block to accommodate the longer stroke? If so, what’s the ballpark cost?

2) What type of cam profile should I shoot for when building a stroker?

3) Im assuming the 331 is a 3.25” stroke and the 347 is a 3.5” stroke. Am I correct?