Newb Question on Stock 302

[BleedBlueOval]

I've been saving up for a big build this summer. I'm redoing the entire suspension and brakes-- coil overs with 5 lug conversion. As I was getting advised by Livernois Motorsports about exhaust headers, he asked me, "Do you want to keep this engine?"

Do I want to put quality steel on this 302? Would you? I want to add long tubes, but will I be kicking myself down the road later for spending $1500 on exhaust on this engine?

I don't race, I cruise. I want to have a nice stance and a nice engine note. Of course I would like to be fast, but as he said, "all the new gens are at 400HP-- stock."

Down the road (perhaps in 2-3 years) I would like to be at those numbers, but what should I do in regards to the motor?

 

[BleedBlueOval]

Since I am swapping axles, if I gear the car now with the stock housing, will it fit in the new 8.8 when I upgrade to 31 splines? I'm told if I want to go to 31 splines, I have to swap the whole rear end out. As of now, I intend to just upgrade to 5 lug 28 spline axles.

 

[nikkodnp]

H/C/I with a supercharger should get you in that range.

 

[BLKFOX]

^ what he said. Get a safe tune and you'll have a fun car if you go that route.

However, I just built a 331 (10.5:1) stock block car and am regretting not doing a different block or different engine all together. It's a fun car but I want more and I've only put 40 miles on it. At this point, I'm kind of nervous to put boost to it due to the limitations of the stock block.

 

[Dig Race]

To do your 31 spline you just need a 31 spine center section and 31 spline axles. With the price of fox body parts there is no reason to spend $1500 on a full exhaust. Get some budget long tubes or get some shorties and x or h pipe, always worked good for me.