I am getting a 73 Bronco with a 302 and I am new to the small block Ford engines. I would like to build a 347 stroker out of it but I am not sure how to build it for low end torque and not high reving hp and torque. My last engine that I built was a stroked 400 (434 cu in) completely custom but I am not sure if I can get what I want out of the 302 or if I should scrap it and build a 351W based 408.

The build for my Bronco will be a daily driver with some trail use, no rock crawling or anything else that extreme.

Any thoughts?

 

Build it with a 9 to 1 comp ratio, top it with GT40 iron heads, a dual plane intake (I'd do an RPM, or something similar, just to give it an edge up top when you need it) and an rv style cam If you go roller, Ford's F4TE is my pick with 1.7 rockers). What you'll end up with is a "close to 351W Lightning" motor in a smaller package. And just me, but building a 408 and "not that extreme", just don't go hand in hand.

 

Well if you put a stroker crank in there it's no longer a 302 so you don't have to worry about it making some low rpm TQ, but to maximize the potential you want higher compression, a shorter duration cam, smaller heads, and longer runner intake and exhust systems.. relative to what you would use for a drag strip motor that is and not necessarally relative to a stock motor because all these parts are still gonna be bigger than the stock components.
Baddad has a good suggestion there and what I'd suggest isn't a lot different, you could opt for aftermarket heads like Eddy performers with 1.90/1.60 valve, build the bottom end for about 9.5:1 CR, use an RV cam like the Comp 35-234-3, I'd also suggest making it EFI with a Performer intake to maximixe that intake runner length and use longtube headers of course. The BIG mistake you don't want to make is to set a HP goal, if you do that you'll end up with a gutless wonder that has to be screaming to make any power. Instead target the most TQ at the lowest rpm and you'll probably end up with a pretty well balanced and truck friendly powerband.

 

Thanks for the replies! I called the engine builder I last used last night and plan on using Brodix heads, Weiand street warrior manifold, custom cam, MSD Atomic EFI TBI, and a few other things. I think it will be a well balanced motor.