U/SA 302 ffffford build

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Jeff Stout

This. 8.8 is way better for you application

Gotta agree, not to mention it`s a straight bolt in, and should be pretty easy to find a 8.8 from a 5.0 Mustang, which came with 8.8s starting in 1986, and were the same thru 1993. The only real place a 9" is better for something like this, is a wider assortment of ratios to choose from. With the 8.8, unless things have changed in recent years, there is nothing between 4.88 and 5.14, and then nothing again until 5.71. On my 85 Mustang M/S, I ran both the 4.88s and 5.14s, with 29 and 29 1/2" tall tires, with the 2 barrel deal, 28s or 26" tall tires would be an easy way to dial in the ratio/tire diameter combination. As for strength, you will never hurt the 8.8, my M/S 85 Mustang was a stick car, leaving at 6000-6200 RPM, with cheap Moser 31 spline axles, and even with my 331 bracket engine (10.2@ 129 MPH, with mid 1.3 60 foots, dropping the clutch at 62-6600 RPM), I never hurt the rearend. That said, we did weld the axle tubes to the cast center, and made braces to go from the casting to the ends of the axle tubes. Heck, even the stock 7.5 rearend that should be in the car already, would likely hold up with the 2 barrel automatic combo, not sure what the ratio selection for those is, however. For a set of cheap, easy to buy, "off the shelf" headers, I had Hedman long tubes on my street Fairmont years ago, with 1 1/2" primaries, which would be a great place to start for something like that. The 85 4 barrel combo is a pretty decent one, but stick only, is that bothers you, but with the current HP ratings, the 2 barrel is a GREAT combo, as would be the 82 "5.0 HO" 2 barrel deal, which has a larger cam and carb, but again, is a stick only deal. The heads on all the 78 thru 85 Ford 302/5.0 engines are the same 2 barrel, or 4 barrel, although the 85s do have a different casting number, but are identical, other than being relieved at the lower flange, to allow the longer roller lifters used in 85, to be removed and installed with the heads in place.

[Billy Nees]

Rory, I was hoping that you would respond.

[Mark Yacavone]

The 8.8's are still around, but they've gone up considerably since the one I bought in 2007. Probably local would be best, if you live in a populated area. I wouldn't want to pay shipping on one.
Supposedly ,Yukon gear made a 5.14 for the 7.5, never actually saw one that's available. I agree that it would probably hold up behind a 302, 2 bbl , 3" stroke, 3000# combo.

[goinbroke2]

Of all the stuff left to do, I was thinking since the 9" is in it, and already has 4:86's..... But I get it, experience is better than theory. By spring, if it's as far as I want it to be I might start looking for a 8.8 (cousin gave me a 3.27 traction loc 7.5, it's the one I cut the ears off and used the Trac loc in my blue 86 mustang. (3.8/auto, not in the guide, I looked, wish it was, lol) so I can probably find one, but then I need axles/spool/etc for a 8.8 when I have a perfectly serviceable 9" in it already. Maybe I'll find a built 8.8 and just bolt it in.

Thanks guys, the more I get done, the more I find I have to change/replace, LOL! I just finished redoing the dual batteries in the trunk (it was going back as a bracket car originally) and remember I need a battery in the stock location too....and a battery box! So now I'll tear out the dual batt set up (I'm paranoid about hitting the key in the lanes and getting a click) and put one (original size) in the front and then rewire my master switch to turn them both off as well as the engine. One step ahead, 4 back, lol.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by goinbroke2

but then I need axles/spool/etc for a 8.8

No, you don't. Stock axles and posi are more than strong enough for a 302/auto combo. Stop looking to spend time and money that doesn't need to be spent on a 12/13 second car!

P.S., It'll slow you down.

[goinbroke2]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

No, you don't. Stock axles and posi are more than strong enough for a 302/auto combo. Stop looking to spend time and money that doesn't need to be spent on a 12/13 second car!

P.S., It'll slow you down.

Thanks Billy, I'm still in a bracket mindset instead of a stocker mindset. You're right, a lot less rolling resistance with the 8.8. Doesn't matter with a bracket car but it does with a stocker and I'm not running a 460.

[Jeff Stout]

I'm in AZ and on Facebook was expedition 8.8 for 150.00. Disc brakes. Gears? Not sure on width

[goinbroke2]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Rory, I was hoping that you would respond.

I have already been pestering him at the track this summer. (and every other S/SS guy the maritimes) I have to remember that I have two ears and one mouth though. (story of my life, HA!!)

Edit: and I have to read the 2023 rule book, it appears my 1997 rule book is no longer accurate.