[DAVID GAGNARD]

Since we are on the subject about rod length/stroke,I have a question....

What would be considered the "ideal" ratio (rod/stroke) for a street engine and the ideal ratio for a "race only" engine....

Will be building a 302 for road racing later this year and trying to gather as much info before starting as I can....
Specs on the 302 will roughtly be; 302 early 80's block,no more than .060 overbore allowed,you can "destroke" it but no strokes allowed greater than the factory specs,must use stock production iron heads made before 1972 (modifications allowed to the heads are generous),Edelbrock Performer RPM dual plane intake (can be ported),any single 4-V carb,any ignition,any compression,only solid lifter or hydraulic cam (no roller cams),roller rockers o-k.....

Plans right now are for the 80 block,69/70 351-W heads (ported/polished/gasket matched/1.90/1.60 valves/screw-in studs/guide plates),Edelbrock mainfold,650 Demon carb,MSD distributor and ignition box,compression around 12 to 1,cam specs around 550 to 575 lift,for the crank and rods I plan to use forged pieces on both....A few guys are running de-strokers,not sure of the stroke,but with .030 overbore they are at or around 290 cu.in. and most are running chevy rods...... This is a "race only" engine and for a new guy like myself,I'm starting out kinda conservative on the engine,need to make laps and learn the tracks and need a decent enigne that will last many laps between rebuilds....

David