Engine Confusion

[Merv and Sharon]

What a fantastic range of advice and information and I am sorry for opening up the 'political" dimensions on this issue! Price is not really a big issue for me now. I just want something that I am happy with. I have had many vintage cars and have never modified (well there were some heads and cams...) them in any visible way. I am kind of sympathetic for "heritage" reasons towards the 302 and they do seem to sound different (mostly down to particular exhaust systems probably). I really appreciate the values of the L76/LS2 and its modern parameters and also its compliance ease. I suspect that it is more difficult to set up.
A remaining few Q's:

(1) Is the injected 302 still compliant (e.g., a US import?).
(2) Also, how tough is it to change the engine mount setup that I have already there from Warwick Harrison to suit a 302?
(3) Is a well-sourced 302 likely to be ready to go, or is it necessary to do a substantial re-build (I know that one might do that eventually), other than renewing all the clutch components?
(4) Is the gearbox with it a robust one - decent synchros and reasonable shift action?
(5) Last with the Harrison 4.3 rear end is the standard 302 'box going to be out of synch?

Apols for all the questions and the old ground for many of you, but this really helps!

Merv

[Philm]

Merv,
I can offer my opinion on a couple.

3) The 302 is a tough engine, you really have to abuse it for it to go bang in a standard form. If it has good compression I would not touch it.

4) The World class or mustang T5s are the best 5 speed for medium powered engines, I found the shifts to be beautiful, the only troble is when you try and feed more power they break.

5) I would go a 3.45 for the street, maybe a 3.7. as I think the t5 5th is .82 ratio which would be 5th in your 6 speed.

Phil

[400TT]

A remaining few Q's:

(1) Is the injected 302 still compliant (e.g., a US import?).
Yes
(2) Also, how tough is it to change the engine mount setup that I have already there from Warwick Harrison to suit a 302?
Would have to ask Warwick, as it will be harder now the body has been fitted.
(3) Is a well-sourced 302 likely to be ready to go, or is it necessary to do a substantial re-build (I know that one might do that eventually), other than renewing all the clutch components?
They seem to have a great longevity, if you get a good one, it will last you well.
(4) Is the gearbox with it a robust one - decent synchros and reasonable shift action?
T5 is a great gearbox to drive, not as strong as most though, so will only handle hard abuse from a mild 302w engine
(5) Last with the Harrison 4.3 rear end is the standard 302 'box going to be out of synch?
If you decide you don't like it, you can always change to taller 3.7 gears. Most Harrison owners with 302w & T5, run 4.3 gears and are happy. WKB can show the way to 3.7 upgrade if you decide to.

[/quote]

[400TT]

Phil, I thought I all the Mustang T5's(World Series) boxes had .68 5th gear. Ours certainly did.

Just watch Merv, there are quite a few lesser variations of T5 gearboxes around. So if you are going with USA Mustang HO, make sure you buy it with gearbox attached to make sure you get the real deal T5.

Merv, let me know if you go HO as I'll find the details of the front cut. It's local and listed at $2500, which I'm sure can be bargained with. Best of all, it's a front cut, so you can test run the engine. It's from a dealer, so should also have warranty.