Originally Posted By: SS1970chrysler
Originally Posted By: lexus114
Well, I do agree with you on the timing chain, and oil leaks on the 302. But I definitely liked having more power. (the whole 129 hp that it had)
Pretty sad considering today`s 4 cylinders put out that and more.
I believe my 250 is rated at 100hp using SAE net method. I did like the 5.0 roller version and the early 289's. All my 351W's developed a rear main bearing knock. I'd use a car with a 302/351/255, but wouldn't rebuild or restore it. They just aren't worth it to me. The "M" engine family is more up to the challenge. The small blocks had poor bearing support on the mains as the block skirting only extended to the centerline of the mains, while the others were more substantial. Your mileage may vary.
No different than the SBC or other small block motors really. The 351W had the disadvantage of having huge 3" mains however, whilst the 302 did not. I've owned 4 or 5 302's, two of them having over 200,000 miles on them at this point. They are all the late model (thin-wall casting) roller engines however, save the one in my boat, which is from the early 70's.
302's (and 351's) are also the cheapest Ford engines to mod, due to their huge aftermarket support (like the SBC).
But regarding the oil leaks.... yeah, can't disagree with you there. The intake manifold end seals, valve cover gaskets and rear mains have all been problem points for me. Rubber gaskets for the Explorer fix the intake and valve cover problems permanently. I've only had an RMS leak on the one that lives in front of 5spd.
I'm a big fan of the Windsor engines, but I'm specific and that really only extends immediately to the 302HO from '87-92. They last forever, had forged pistons and rods, roller valvetrain...etc. They were cheap to build up and would handle an obscene amount of abuse.