302 mild build?

[Longroofcomet]

Hello all,
I've picked up an engine last night to go in the comet I'm probably going to buy, a 65 wagon. The engine I picked up is a 302 from a 75 Mustang 2, and it's stripped, block was hot tanked and new cam bearings and frost plugs installed.
This engine has dished pistons with the 58CC heads. It's my understanding this is a relatively low compression combo. My question is, should I spend the money on some flat top pistons before I put this motor together?
I'm not wanting huge power, I'd be happy with around 200hp. For money's sake I'd like to keep the 2 barrel carb at least for now. The engine came with a Melling MTF 5 cam and I will need to get a set of headers as well.

My first delve into building an American V8, any pointers for the guy used to British 4 cylinders?
Thanks!

[Joe Travers]

Your combination with headers should get you to 200 gross h.p. now.
I had a similar cam grind in a 289 build w/ '69 351W heads, 600 Holley and flat-tops. It was a mild engine.
If you want to keep the 2V intake manifold, install an Autolite 2100 from a 351W, if you can pick one up cheap.
JMO, as always.

JT

[Longroofcomet]

Good to hear!
My thoughts are, it's alot easier to put flat tops in it now and go to a 4 barrel later, than the other way around. I'll look for a 351W 2bbl

[Joe Travers]

My thoughts are, it's alot easier to put flat tops in it now and go to a 4 barrel later, than the other way around. I'll look for a 351W 2bbl

You don't need a 4V carb to make 200 h.p. The lower-compression piston does rob some power but you gain with the cam change and headers.
Not sure of the 2V Autolite flow numbers but the 351W should flow slightly more to help the cam change.

JT

[Longroofcomet]

Yea I figured, I was just meaning if I ever do want a little more power in the future, it would be easier to install the flat top pistons now while the engine is apart

[popscomet]

if you have to buy pistons,,,why not buy a set of flat tops?? and be done with it....!! pop jmo

[Joe Travers]

Yea I figured, I was just meaning if I ever do want a little more power in the future, it would be easier to install the flat top pistons now while the engine is apart

'Add To Cart'
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/slp- ... tYEALw_wcB

Here's a post from another forum on Autolite 2100 flow rate identification if you are looking for a larger junkyard 2V to rebuild.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1160 ... -info.html

JT