Posted by rickyracer (209.20.170.64) on May 09, 2001 at 21:27:00:
In Reply to: Re: 302 block questions. posted by mavman on May 08, 2001 at 23:52:13:
Would like to see that mock up. You can use 289 rods, the Boss 302 used the same CtoC Rods as the 289s, but with a shorter, 1.529-1.600, piston comp. height. The standard 289/302s use the same pistons, the rods are different for the different stroke. If you use a 302 crank and piston with a 289 rod, the pistons will stick out of the block. If you don't think so then we did they drop the Boss 302 comp height down to 1.529 from the 1.600 and still keep a deck height of .021" And by the way you can get a 5.4" rod that really makes a difference. Just have to get the right pistons. If you really want to know what stroke you have, the crank has a ID on it, 2M, 289s have a 1M, front throw of the crank between the #1 main journal and #1 rod journal.
: check on the drive side deck, just in front of the head, next to the water pump. there is a little "piece" of block that has a code stamped on it. it's probably covered with thousands of miles worth of dirt, but it's the only way to POSITIVELY identify what year your block is. And, yes Ford did change the deck height from '73-'76, it is 8.236, as opposed to 8.206 on all other 302's. The only effect is that the pistons will be .030" farther down in the bore on the tall blocks, not a big problem, but compresison ratio will suffer a bit. I know this from experience...matter of fact, it's possible to use 289 rods in a tall 302, effectively making a long-rod 302. I've actually mocked up a 302 block with this combo, and the pistons are almost dead even with the top of the block, making more compression than a normal 302...I never built it, though, and most enging builders say it's worthless to use longer rods anyway, just too much extra balancing to do. Just my $.02