RSX302 Future--Engine Poll...

[RSX302]

I've had a blast with the little Twin Turbo Ford 302 in my Camaro, but I think it's time to say good-bye to it. My main concern is the future sale of the car--if that ever happens.

Even though I did this for fun and already had the motor, I was thinking to myself--Ford guy's wouldn't buy a Camaro with a Ford in it and Chevy guy's would definitely not buy it. The biggest mind change was when I asked myself if I would buy it...I have to say that was a big NO.

I'm kicking some ideas around and thought I would poll it.



Since money is a factor, this plays a roll in the package. Of course the goal is to get as much horsepower as possible and lighten the front end if possible. I will use my twin turbo system that I already have. I was going to try and keep the whole changeover under $15K. Since clutch, Bellhousing/Input shaft and possibly paint will absorb $4-5K, I figure target for the engine complete should be $10K.

[Declawed69]

Ford FTW!

Do you take monopoly money?

[SatisTraction]

lsx!!

beautiful car but i would puke if i seen a ford 302 under the hood. All that said i am a ford guy!

[streetrod77]

I'm crazy about both Ford and Chevy. But I would only buy a Chevy with a Chevy power plant.

[CarlC]

Does the budget include using any of the current dry sump components? That starts to add up in a hurry.

If the budget allows it the LS engine would be a better long-term investment. Getting it all done (headers, electrical, engine, etc.) for $10k might be tight.

[Vegas69]

You already shot yourself in the foot with the Ford engine. Do it right the second time.

[RSX302]

You already shot yourself in the foot with the Ford engine. Do it right the second time.

Since I had the Ford engine before the Camaro, I look at it as prolonging the inevitable!

We will now try and make it right!

[6'9"Witha69]

You already shot yourself in the foot with the Ford engine. Do it right the second time.

Mike agrees:

[RSX302]

Does the budget include using any of the current dry sump components? That starts to add up in a hurry.

If the budget allows it the LS engine would be a better long-term investment. Getting it all done (headers, electrical, engine, etc.) for $10k might be tight.

There is a very good possibility to use the dry sump stuff. The main cost is in the pump and AN fittings which I have. The only thing that would take some extra work (money) is the front pulley system if I get the LS engine. If I look to Wegner, there goes another $2200. I need the front distributor conversion kit ($400) for the LS engine and use my Ford Accel dual sync distributor. This will allow me to use my Gen 7 fuel injection and keep the cost down.

Your right on the $10K being tight for a complete LS. Definitely won't be an LS7 that's for sure! LS1..LS2..LSx? Just need to get more info on sleeves. LSx looks to be the best way in terms of overall strength, but if I can lighten the front end with the aluminum block, that would be a bonus. I was also thinking of removing the intercooler (45lbs). This will also give me a little better cooling during the 100+ deg days at Willow.

[ArtosDracon]

Aluminum 302 sbc w/ your turbo stuff, should be a fun ride.

[RSX302]

Thanks everyone..This is great stuff...keep it rollin!

[dipren443]

Anyone destroked an LS to 302 cubes??? That would be fantastic. Keep your graphics that way...

[RSX302]

Anyone destroked an LS to 302 cubes??? That would be fantastic. Keep your graphics that way...

LS302? I'm sure anything is possible with enough money.

This is why I was looking at the Aluminum SBC 350 Block (World Products) with the 4"bore x 3"stroke and 6" rods. Haven't seen this combo with a Twin Turbo system. Would be different in today's stroker world. Would be the same power curve as the Ford..Which me likes!

I'm affraid I would get people asking me...why do you have the Ford stripe on your car?

[Vegas69]

Gotcha, now it makes sense.

[Van B]

Anyone destroked an LS to 302 cubes??? That would be fantastic. Keep your graphics that way...

I believe it was done as a part of a magazine article probably 10 years ago. Hot Rod IIRC. Norm Brandes at Westech Automotive in Wisconsin built it.

[406 Q-ship]

Ron build a 302 LSx with the twin turbos for the Camaro. I would find a home for the Ford 302 like a 1968 or 69 Torino GT that has it's suspension tweeked.

[SVTforme]

Ron build a 302 LSx with the twin turbos for the Camaro. I would find a home for the Ford 302 like a 1968 or 69 Torino GT that has it's suspension tweeked.

Great answer.. I can find you a nice Torino to make the 302 feel at home .

I am all about the corruption of a Ford in a Chevy or vise versa, but resale is definitely an issue with that equation. Most would prefer an LS motor in a Camaro.

[RSX302]

Ron build a 302 LSx with the twin turbos for the Camaro. I would find a home for the Ford 302 like a 1968 or 69 Torino GT that has it's suspension tweeked.

If the Ford 302 doesn't sell, that is exactly what I was planning on doing. Maybe not the Torino--even though I like them.

I would love to find something smaller for the autocross events. Most of those courses are tiny and just doesn’t do the bigger cars justice. (example; AC Cobra at optima Street Car Invitational)

Do I hear Sunbeam Tiger with monster wheels and 500hp!

[406 Q-ship]

If the Ford 302 doesn't sell, that is exactly what I was planning on doing. Maybe not the Torino--even though I like them.

I would love to find something smaller for the autocross events. Most of those courses are tiny and just doesn’t do the bigger cars justice. (example; AC Cobra at optima Street Car Invitational)

Do I hear Sunbeam Tiger with monster wheels and 500hp!

There used to be a local here that had a turbo Boss 302 in a Tiger with fender flares, it looked more like a Cobra than a Sunbeam Tiger.

I just think a Torino is too cool because you don't see many and then none are Pro-touring (sorry to someone if they have done one)

American iron from the 1960's and 70's is always at a disadvantage on SCCA auto-x due to their size, most of the courses at done by a person with a Golf, S2000, or a Miata. If you find a course set up by a Corvette driver then real fun with big car is had.

Another home for that Ford, how about modifing one of the Factory Five GTMs.

[DynoDon]

I'd leave that Ford motor right where it is. Worry about it if and when you decide to sell the car! Everywhere in the car building hobby guys stick those lumps known as SBC's in anything and everything and no one says boo. But put a Ford or Mopar somewhere and they all get their panties in a wad.
I love the fact that you dared to be different. Quit worrying about it and keep having fun. And for those that don't like it

AS for sticking that motor in a Tiger with big wheels, I had one back in the 70's and it was unbeatable in Autocross back then. The problem is even a clapped out Tiger is gonna cost a small fortune now.