[codyace]

The cam problem to the best of my knowledge only occured during the 302's later years of production...any mid to early 80's ford pickup 302 blocks would be the choice block of a build (seasoned iron)....

HOWEVER

Jeff does bring a Valid point...if you're goin to go 302, just go 351...a 351 traditionally puts the same power as a mild cammed 302....so you'd already be startin with the better choice...plus all aluminum ford heads for small blocks (for non efi for that matter) have the holes drilled to 1/2"....whereas you'd hafta by special 'stepped' bolts from ARP to put those heads on a 302...

I'm a ford guy, so naturally this is a strong and cool idea....while many people prefer the LS1 engine, I think it's simply due to it being a common thought, AND that the stereotype that building a chevy is cheaper than a Ford is still around (power for power, you can get a 350 hp chevy small block for the same price as SmBlFord...

Remember however, anymore it's almost cheaper purchasing a crate motor over a built one..plus most companies offer a warrenty...

Lastly though, in my eyes a cool swap would be a nice old Cobra Hi-Po 289, and building that would be fun...high revving small block in a 240 would be sweet...plus they are better stock than any 302 thought about being :]

And if money is no object...Ford 390....Big block power in a tiny package