[Rickd]

If you can select any year of 302 motor it would be good to get one of 87-88 vintage, ideally the HO version that was in the Mustang gt. This one had forged, dished pistons, that will take a bunch of HP with no problem and are excellent for aftermarket heds. This was a stock 225 hp motor, with a mild roller cam. I've got one in my Unique cobra and I've ordered Trick Flow Twisted Wedge cylinder heads and a new cam (222 / 222; .500 / .500). Those, along with my Edelbrock RPM intake and a new Speed Demon carb, should put it solidly in the 300+ range. Good luck.
Rick