I have a spare 302. If you are looking for a 302 let me know. In regards to the military 302, the differences includes a cast boss just above and forward of the starter motor. It is best described as 1 inch by 1.5 inch cast bump out from the block and it has to be ground off to fit the starter. Also, the fuel pump cutout is part of the block cast, meaning that hole will need to be cut open to fit a mechanical fuel pump. If I recall, the drilled and tapped holes are in place to mount the fuel pump...(I can't remember if I drilled and tapped the holes). Your other option is to leave it alone and install an electric fuel pump. You will need to locate a 270 flywheel to bolt onto the military 302 crankshaft.
Another upgrade will be the replacement of the military oil pan and oil pump with a matching oil pan and pump from a 270, 248, or 228. And consider installing an external oil filter system rather than a stock oil filter that, at best, filter about 10% of the oil pumped through it. Same would apply to a 270, 248, or a 228..
Another solid engine for consideration could be a GMC 270. A 270 will power the Suburban just fine. And theret may be some cost savings in fuel consumption.
I like the old school hotrod 6 bangers. California Bill prodcued two books on the subject that will be rather helpful to you. They can be found on Ebay. Dual exhaust, modifed camshaft grind, and dual or triple carb intake manifolds will really increase the power output. Any combination of these improvments will make a difference depending on your budget. A 100.00 camshaft 3/4 grind by Delta Cam in Washington state is well worth the small investment. Assist it wih dual exhaust for starters.
Many swear that balancing the crankshft, flywheel and balancer is a must. The other school of opinon is that they come balanced from the factory...assuming that you ae not mixing and matchng these parts from other motors.
The catch 22 is - you can sink money to add these improvements to 270, or even a 248 to improve power, but a stock 302 will give you that already.
If it is a Chevy frame then locate a later 261 with the full pressure oiling system. That will bolt right in, although you will need to locate an earlier bellhousing to fit the frame crossmember. The 261 is great motor and can be hopped up as well... Find a 235 "848 head" for improving compression values rather then the stock 261 head...but the difference is not significant...but, in combination slight modifications do add up to more power.... Its a matter of how deep you want to reach into your pockets.
There are 4 barrel intake manifolds that may help with fuel economy. Tom Langdon can help, or give Patrick's a call to ask about this. Also James Larrowe has a catalog for these modifications...and sells flywheels, harmonic balancers, 848 heads, blocks you name it. Check Ebay as well (be prepared for price inflation on parts!). or post a wanted ad here. You more than likely will find a better deal here, but it may take some patience for someone to reply to your ad and have what you are needing.
Or buy a 270 for parts!..that is, if you want to work on a 302.
Tom
Last edited by tom moore; 01/14/2014 4:54 PM.
