opinions on 302 with 315 hp for a stock 62' Meteor S-33.

[meteorwingnut]

www.proformanceunlimited.com/specs/302_300dropal.html

hey guys, the link above is for an engine i am looking at for my 62' S-33. the builder is Proformance Unlimited and gets great reviews in mustang forums where they chat alot about 302's. talked to him on the phone too and he knew all about the passenger side water inlet on radiator and front oil sump. he was a cool guy on the phone too and his parts list is quality. its his smallest engine of his Ford line.

I have primed and painted engine bay, put on front discs, rebuilt all the power steering including the steering box and sent out the c4 for a rebuild.

now i want my engine!!!
my questions for you folks in the know:
--is this 302 with 315hp on the dyno, too much power for this unibody car with rebuilt but stock suspension?
--what modifications, if any do you think would need to be made to this cars suspension or rear end with this engine?
--I have an 8 inch rear end but would i need a 9?
--will i need a thicker sway bar and/or other mods that way?

i do not intend to drive it fast and crazy....just medium fast...wanna get on these Northern California highways and cruise to Santa Cruz or Russian River. nothing nuts. but i want to do the right thing from the get go and i have never dont this before so i know you folks will have ideas and issues i have not thought of.

as always, i appreciate you time and advice.

[doberdawg]

Do what you can afford. The stock 260 2 barrel will do what you are saying you want. If you are NOT going to floor it & throw yourself into G forces gluing yourself to the back of your seat your 8 inch rear end is fine. But if you enjoy quick take offs & peeling rubber the 9 inch will last longer. Also many going with the 9 inch go Explorer rear end with 4 wheel disc brakes. I had a strong well built (but not high horse power) 289 in my last S33 with a C4 & I never "missed" having more power driving from Angels Camp to Santa Cruz even over the Altamonte Pass. Yes to bigger sway bars, add a Monte Carlo Bar & enjoy!!!

[w2zero]

Bigger front anti-sway bar will be a major plus. Other than that, you're good. Only concern with your 8" rear is age. If it needs to be rebuilt then it will become the weakest link once you add horsepower. Have fun.

[meteorwingnut]

Thanks alot guys. yep...saw a sway bar online that might work....mine is 1/2 inch....upgrade to 7/8ths or 1 inch. since we are on the topic, can i use a bar for a 62' Fairlane?


also, will have rear end looked at when i have engine installed. may as well!

good stuff

[meteorwingnut]

www.summitracing.com/parts/aco-500/overview/year/1962/make/ford/model/fairlane

i found this 1 inch sway bar on summit.