Groundhangers

Super inspired to get the die grinder and extention rotating, just touching on it over the net now, cheers for that! Your wagon threads a cracker, I'll try get through a bit of it tonight, plenty to soak up there.

Thanks for the fine tuning Gerg. I haven't really added it up but the cost i guess is going to get away. It wont all be happening at once cause theres plenty else to do and I'll just space out the cost as I go. Yes I'll have a go at porting, it would be a shame not to. I'll post up progress as it happens Later

Thank a heap for the info Bear, it's really put me at ease and will also save me a few bob. The only thing I'm going to add is a mild cam just for a bit of a lump. I'm not fussed on the 6" rods, I'm grateful enough to have the 351 crank, although the ACL tech notes was a good read so thanks again Got myself a standard untouched 351 crank and rods, which I'll give a bit of a polish. Cant wait to start on it, should be fun. Any particular brand of engine paint that holds up I should go for? One last question, recommended carburetor and size? Thanks

As I said I've done a lot of research, theres plenty. Even the engine number will give you plenty of info. http://www.aus-ford-uk.co.uk/html/engines2.html

Thanks Dean for all the heads up, especially the tap talk and the pic. Yes been through all the processes to determine the engine specs. It's a 302 Cleveland with 2v closed heads. I managed to match the JG37 to the vehicle I mentioned , i even unscrewed and had a peekaboo behind the sump to find the 302 lettering.

I'll work out posting pics soon enough http://imgur.com/gallery/ZyhyvuB

Thanks guys for exactly what I wanted to here. I've read a little on putting in a 351 crank, 302 rods, journals are different so on so on cant do it bla bla bla but I couldn't find anything to current date past 2004, thanks Bear and thanks 2red for the confirmation cause that makes me a happy camper. If someone could give me a rundown on the process, parts and preferred brands and such for the block upgrade I'd be super stoked, it would make it so much easier as I've limited knowledge, I love engines bu down to the crunch I'm a rust, panel paint guy. I've go a ways to go as I've only just started getting ready for it. I've spent the last 6 weeks building a roof servicing the compressor and collecting tools and parts. I took out the LPG system on Sunday, I just need to make up a stand for the donk and I'll be good to go. Hangloose Greg I'll get some pics going in a new thread

Hi all, first post here but lurking for years. I've been scouring the internet like crazy for the last couple of weeks and its driving me nuts, believe me I've read it all on 302s and I think this site has the most with common sense, so this is where I'll start. I have an F100 302 project atm (1974) and I after a little advice. Now, I've done a few nut and bolt restorations over the years such as a MkII Cortina, HQ Statesman, HZ 1 tonner a couple of 70s caravans and 70s motorcycles but this is my first Ford V8, which I know very little about. Wasn't my first choice as I was looking for an XD or similar Fairlane model but the wife has a bit of a soft spot for the old pick ups and one happened along at a good price and to save any arguments I wasnt going to be the fool and took advantage of her blessing. Theres is quite a bit of work in it, about 18mths or so depending on cash flow but im only going to use it as a stepping stone to the next project and the missus can drive it where ever she wants for 6 mths before it gets sold. After some research I've found that I have a 302 Cleveland engine with 2v heads that came out of a 1972 Fairlane, C4 with 3L50 on the diff tag (is that 3.5 LS diff?) It starts easy, goes ok but only has and average of 125 lb compression throughout. From what Ive read 150 to 180 is desirable. So from that I want to make the engine a little more appealing to the next buyer and overhaul it. After research I get the picture to leave the bottom end alone and beef up the top just to add some nice tone and a bit of clout. So I want to do a little machining on the block and get it all nice and tight with some new pistons and bearings. ( Is there a standard fail safe system for this regarding machining and parts, keeping costs down) I'm going to install mild cam but I'm not sure if I should be buying for example a full kit from Crow/ individual parts or buy new heads all together? I'm not really into spending 2.6k on the heads, thats out! so if I can save 400$ here and 200$ there that's where I'm at. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hangloose Greg