I recently stumbled across a good running 302 core in this truck and want to do a precision rebuild over the winter and swap engines with this truck
My hope is to build a good strong 302 with enough power to drive comfortably on public streets with a loaded truck.
Ive played with 248 and 270 engines a little and know about the different wedge and flat pistons with respected heads but have never had any dealings with the 302.
Does anyone have any suggestions or first hand knowledge on building 302s or where to purchase replacement parts?
What camshaft, intake manifold and vacuum advance would you personally use in such an application?
A 302 is a very strong engine and for a truck to actually haul something with, I would build it stock. The 302 only came with flat pistons. You really don't need vacuum on your distributor. A 302 that came out of a military vehicle will have a 4 bolt intake manifold which will accept a Holley WW carb which is a good carb for a work truck. If it is not military, it will probably have a 3 bolt intake which accepts a 3 bolt Holley. If it's a military engine, it will have a sealed 24 volt ignition which you don't need. Put in a regular distributor. A military engine will have a cam lobe for a fuel pump, but no hole in the block. It is possible to drill a hole for a fuel pump, but its a lot easier to use an electric fuel pump. There is a hump on the block that needs to be ground off to mount a non military starter.
Thanks for the thoughts, guys. It must be a Military engine as the fuel pump port is indeed casted over. I guess that I got lucky in purchasing the truck as who ever installed the engine knew what parts would work with the older GM bell housing and yes its a four bolt carb. Im excited about working with this engine.
Two cool old running trucks! Have you tried looking on oldgmctrucks.com? They have a lot of info on their site (though I don't like how it's organized) and an active discussion forum with a bunch of friendly, knowledgeable guys. Good luck.
I went to our local Military surplus store and found a set STD 302 rings that I purchased and also a set of 040 pistons with rings - dated 1952 on the cardboard cans that they came in. Yup, bought them too, got a screamin' deal and just couldnt stop myself.
The guy also had rod and cam bearings..........yeah Im broke again but at least Im not hung over this time.
Std rings are relatively easy to find because most blocks need to be bored. .040 pistons with rings are not that easy to find. You did well by grabbing them.
