Building a Better Small-Block Ford - BluePrint For A Bulletproof Blue Oval

A heavy-duty, double-roller timing chain ensures accurate cam timing and longevity.

Reconditioned rods are fitted with new Federal Mogul hypereutectic pistons and Hastings moly rings. When paired with the heads, the pistons yield a 9.6:1 compression ratio.

The roller lifters require a specific guideplate to ensure the lifters don’t rotate.

After being pressure tested and surfaced, the seasoned E7TE cast-iron Ford heads have the valve seats cut and are fitted with swirl-polished 1.94-inch intake and 1.60-inch exhaust valves, plus hardened retainers and springs. They are torqued to spec by hand when installed on the engine.

After initial assembly, each engine is sprayed in a durable, high-temperature Ford Blue finish. Note the brass freeze plugs.

To ensure the small-block looks as good as it runs, Speedway Motors has the BluePrint team assemble it with finned and polished aluminum valve covers and a matching oil pan. A polished-aluminum, dual-plane intake manifold contributes to both the performance and appearance. Other performance accessories include an aluminum timing chain cover and Professional Products harmonic balancer.

A Speedway Motors HEI-style distributor provides enough sparks and eliminates the need for a separately mounted coil.

Each 302 is broken in and dyno tested to ensure optimum performance.Like all Speedway’s crate 302s, this one registered more than 300 hp, 320.7 hp (at 5600 rpm) and 350.8 lb-ft of torque (at 4000 rpm) to be exact, using 15⁄8-inch headers and an out-of-the-box Edelbrock 600-cfm carburetor. The broad torque curve delivered more than 300 lb-ft from 2500 to 5600 rpm. Each engine is delivered with a dyno sheet listing its performance numbers and other critical specifications.

Here’s a package that any Ford fan would love to see delivered to his garage. The Speedway Motors Hot Rod 302 requires little more than a carburetor, water pump, headers and ignition wires before it’s ready to power your truck down the road.