[Clois Harlan]

Two years ago I built a 302 w/ 335 HP. I used the E cam and 1.7 roller rockers from Crane, has a nice attitude and sound. I also used an Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold and Edelbrock 650 carb (you can get more hp from a Holley but for street use the edelbrock seems to require less maint). I had my heads milled, ported and polished and heavy duty Crane matching springs installed. I also used the MSD Ready to Run distributor and Coil (great combination) with a Crane true roller timing chain. I am running a 373:1 rear gears in and 8.8 Ford rearend. To make a long story shorter I was turning 12.82 at the St. Louis Run and Gun on Street tires and 93 octane pump gas. I could have done better with a little timing adj and slicks. My problem was when I I bought my trans I bought a 1983 Mustang GT 302 T-5 (this is probably the weakest version of the T-5 made). It broke at the drags after about 8 runs.

If I were building a SB again I would go for a late model 351 w/ all the same parts as above and a T-5 Tremic transmission. Very dependable and plenty fast.