Refresh on a 302: Any Advice or build secrets?

[blykins]

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

OldDog: Seems like sound advice. I considered the valve guides, but wasn't sure enough oil could seep through. Even just replacing the heads I would have a lot of questions. I like the AFR 185's, and consider the 1.7 rockers (thinking of Crane roller rockers). That and a Edelbrock performer rpm airgap with my Holley 670 Street Avenger.

The 165's have shorter intake runners than my World Windsor Jr.'s (180), so for a performance gain the 185's seem the way to go. Any way to verify the valve clearance before I buy the AFR 185's?

DD

AFR 165's with rocker studs would be the way to go. For 302 cubic inches, you need smaller port volume which means higher port velocity....otherwise you get an engine that can be a little "slow" on the bottom end. If you plan to stroke in the future, then I would consider the larger heads.

No way to verify piston/valve clearance before hand....but if you're running factory 5.0 pistons or similar, you won't have that much room for a higher lift cam.