[Richelieu]

We recently purchased a used 1982 302 H.O block with heads and aluminum intake.
(we thought it was pretty darn cheap at $100) Anyways, I was wondering if there were
any advantages to a 1982 302 H.O. block versus a 1978 302 block. Trying to decide
which one to take in and get work done on.

Oh yeah, the rest of the parts... This block will have 1970 351W heads, probably a 4 bbl
aluminum intake (it came with the H.O block, might just use it instead of getting a new
holley intake or what not.) and decent cam. Lookin' for 250-275 HP. Also will have air
conditioning on it, hence the higher HP than I might go for... (so I still have decent HP
after air conditioning)... it'll be a summer daily driver.

Thanks.

Rich
----
'66, 302-4bbl, Granada disk brakes, etc, etc...

 

[Huskinhano]

They're basically the same! the 82 block uses a 50 oz unbalance and doesn't have a boss for the clutch ballstud. Also it has a slightly hotter cam ( marine cam ). The 78 has the boss for the clutch ballstud and a 28.8 unbalance like the early motors. Other than that, same block, heads and pistons.

Tom
You can do anything you want to......ONCE!
aka "my 66 coupe"

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1575517&a=11977890&p=45436241.jpg
My Thundebird!

 

[70sportsroof]

I thought the late 70s 302 heads had restrictions in the exhaust ports and different intake port configuration cause of smog control. I have read this to be the case in comparing 1970 versus mid-late 70s 302 heads. I would presume the 82 HO no longer has the smog restrictions in the heads. But, hey, I only know what I've read. As for the block, did Ford switch to the roller cam in 85 or does the 82 5.0 have a roller cam? The 78 did not. So, if the 82 has a roller cam there is an advantage there.
What do you think?

sure it's fun, but it's only a car.

 

[Richelieu]

Well, the heads are a moot point, as I would be using my 1970 351W heads.

As for the roller cam stuff, I'm all ears if the 1982 has 'em.



Rich
----
'66, 302-4bbl, Granada disk brakes, etc, etc...

 

[Huskinhano]

The roller cams started in the 85 models. Basically the 77 to 85 are the same, the only difference on the 85's was a modification to allow space for the roller tappet removal because they're taller. other than that they all have the same ports and same chamber size ( 69 cc's )

Tom
You can do anything you want to......ONCE!
aka "my 66 coupe"

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1575517&a=11977890&p=45436241.jpg
My Thundebird!

 

[papacito]

First, I HIGHLY recommend William R. Mathis' book 'Mustang Performance Handbook-1' for your library. It's an excellent reference source for anyone considering a 5.0 swap. Second, the '78 and '82 share these design features: two piece rear main oil seal (leaks) and 8.4:1 compression. The '78 block might be stronger and heavier than the '82 block but both have minimal performance potential. I agree w/earlier posts, buy a new roller block or '85-'93 roller block.

"What we have here is--failure to communicate."

'67 GTA (clone) coupe soon to be 5.0L w/Edelbrock 1406

 

[Richelieu]

Well, I'm staying with either of these two blocks... Not going to shell more money out already
to get a new block. This engine came to me (the 1978) cheap, I'm going to try and keep it
that way. Hence me asking which of them was better.

Rich
----
'66, 302-4bbl, Granada disk brakes, etc, etc...

 

[papacito]

Brother, I hear you about the finances. Considering a roller cam conversion? Inquiring minds want to know.

"What we have here is--failure to communicate."

'67 GTA (clone) coupe soon to be 5.0L w/Edelbrock 1406

 

[Richelieu]

I don't know.... It would be nice, but considering the 1978 engine cost me $0, the 351 Heads cost me
$100, the aluminium 4bbl intake cost me $50, I'm not sure if it would be in "budget".

I was just going to go with what I had at the moment. See how it works out. If I still think it's under
powered, I might consider it. How much do roller cam conversions go for?

Rich
----
'66, 302-4bbl, Granada disk brakes, etc, etc...

 

[papacito]

Costs? First, roller cams are ground out of steel cores ($220-250). Second, the distributor requires a steel gear ($12-60). Third, dual springs ($?), retainers and locks are required. Fourth, Crane Cams and Competition Cams have roller conversion kits ($). I bought a '93 5.0 HO EFI engine after considering wallet damage for a roller cam conversion.

"What we have here is--failure to communicate."

'67 GTA (clone) coupe soon to be 5.0L w/Edelbrock 1406