302 Ford engine

[Jwawhite]

Thanks much for insight into finding motor I D. Question, is it possible to see #'s with starter in place? My car is not available.
K you REALLY know a lot about Fords!

[50fordcoupeman]

My 302 has to have starter removed to see the numbers.

[1931flathead]

I jess you don't understand my question the block that we got is setup for roller cam but the cam we want to run is a retro cam if we can us the retro cam and retro lifters in the block

[1931flathead]

Starter will have to be removed to my understanding

[rotorwrench]

When ever I deal with cams, I like to talk to the people that either manufacture the cam I want to use or I talk to a person that has a cam grinder and can make any cam profile I want on a cam that I have. Those are the type of folks you need to talk to. Be sure that you know that the block you want to use is a block that was made to accept rollers. It's better if you have the part number to cross check it for certainty. Ford made so many of those 302 blocks for so many years that I'd want to know exactly what I have.

I/m not a giant fan of roller followers anyway. I've seen some fail and it ain't purty.

[BruceMc]

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Originally Posted by 50fordcoupeman

My 302 has to have starter removed to see the numbers.

If you can, borrow or buy an endoscope/borescope. I was able to get the block casting numbers on my 289 without pulling the starter. I bought this model last year and it's proven to be pretty handy for getting into tight or inaccesible places --

https://www.amazon.com/Endoscope-Dep.../dp/B01MYTI2HV

[Dave Covey]

Originally Posted by 1931flathead

My friend has a 1991 Ford in his car has a carb on it trying to find a camshaft for it he wants to go roller but no one can tell us for sure what cam will work for his block cause in 1989 to 1999 they use the same blocks we were told but in 1993 they had roller lifters most of the block were set up for roller lifters
So can we fit a retro fit cam in it cause it is the one he only can find that he likes

Couple pictures of the blocks one a roller block one a none roller one
First one is the roller one

Short answer, Yes.


As someone has mentioned you can run a flat tappet in a roller block..


But why not call a cam company and tell them what cam grind you want for the block. Sounds like you are wanting an off the shelf cam. If so they can grind it on any blank you need..
Also, here is a good article about doing a conversion if interested..


http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-t...ngine-upgrade/
Dave

[Dave Covey]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

When ever I deal with cams, I like to talk to the people that either manufacture the cam I want to use or I talk to a person that has a cam grinder and can make any cam profile I want on a cam that I have. Those are the type of folks you need to talk to. Be sure that you know that the block you want to use is a block that was made to accept rollers. It's better if you have the part number to cross check it for certainty. Ford made so many of those 302 blocks for so many years that I'd want to know exactly what I have.

I/m not a giant fan of roller followers anyway. I've seen some fail and it ain't purty.

I agree with calling the cam companies. But ask for the guy who knows that type engine best. I hate to ask a chebby guy about a ford as they are usually clueless.
Also, you can get a tie bar lifter which keeps the lifters aligned and allows a larger selection of cam profiles.


As to roller failure, I ran the same set for way more than 10 years in my race car with 275 lbs seat pressure and that is light, current engine is set at 350 on the seat.
Issues start when valve lash is excessive, springs become weak allowing lifter to bounce. Sometimes there is manufacturing issue..


My opinion anyway..


Dave

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Dave Covey

Also, you can get a tie bar lifter which keeps the lifters aligned and allows a larger selection of cam profiles.

Dave

... hmmpf ...

[1931flathead]

I talk to comp cam they said had to use a button to keep the the cam from moving around

[flatrod]

Talked to a chevy guy... Fords have thrust plates to keep the cam from walking.

[1931flathead]

So does Chevy

[scicala]

Originally Posted by 1931flathead

So does Chevy

Not small block or big block Chevy V8's. Don't know which Chevy engines you mean that have camshaft thrust plates ?


Sal

[1931flathead]

Yes they do with roller camshafts

[1931flathead]

Look at this on eBay
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/162800004772

[scicala]

OK, Thanks. I was thinking before factory roller cams.


Sal

[1931flathead]

Originally Posted by scicala

OK, Thanks. I was thinking before factory roller cams.


Sal

You are right they only used them with factory roller cams

[flatrod]

Yes and you want a roller cam for your ford, They all had thrust plates, with or without rollers! Never was there a button needed in a modern Ford. I still say you were talking to somebody that knew less then you do!

[1931flathead]

That I thought Ford has a thrust plate but I did want to argue with him at all the tech guys know it all they think