The Heart of the Matter - Engine & Transmission

By Frank Colgoni

If you’ve read our introductory article, you’ll know that it was our intent to put a Ford in this Ford from the very beginning. It would be sacriligious to do otherwise given that we’re celebrating the 75th. anniversary of the Deuce. So, on to the main attraction.

When considering engine choice, we thought that a 302 combined with an overdrive automatic (AOD) would suit our build. Ford Racing Performance Parts offers a number of 302’s that would do just fine. You can check these out here:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/crateengine/main.asp

Our engine is part # M-6007-XE3M with the E303 Camshaft which is suitable for both automatic or manual transmissions.

Here are some specs:

  • 302 cubic inch
  • 340 HP
  • 310 ft./lbs. of torque
  • 9.0:1 compression ratio (nominal)
  • X303 Ford Racing aluminum GT-40 cylinder heads (better flow than production 5.0L HO heads)
  • E303 Ford Racing high performance hydraulic roller camshaft, roller lifters and roller rocker arms.
  • 4.0" Hypereutectic pistons
  • 3” stroke cast crank

In building the engine, Ford utilizes a new long block assembly with the same quality controls as a new production engine. The long block assembly includes the block, crank, rods, pistons, timing chain, roller rocker arms, roller tappets, push rods, oil pump and pickup tube, oil pan, valve covers, front cover, water pump, damper, flywheel, spark plugs and related long block engine parts.

The M-6250-E303 Ford Racing hydraulic roller camshaft provides both good low-end torque and significant horsepower increases above 2500 RPM. Valve lift is .498" on both intake and exhaust. Duration at .050" is 220 degrees on both intake and exhaust.

Installations note: For our application, we have used the short street rod v-belt water pump (M-8501-E351S) and the timing chain cover that is required for this pump (M-6059-D351).

We are also using the M-6880-A50 oil filter adapter that puts the filter at 90 degrees to the block (it wouldn’t fit inside the confines of the hood sides without this adapter). The domino effect of this is that an electric fuel pump will be required as the filter will intrude on the space normally required by a mechanical fuel pump

Have a look:

Ford AOD Transmission
Lentech Automatics is located just “up the road” from us in Richmond, Ontario, Canada (southwest of Ottawa). As the “Innovators of the AOD Performance”, Lentech has built a enviable reputation as leaders in the development of Ford AOD’s for the street and strip.

After discussing our project with Len Bertrand, we settled on their Street Terminator.
It features:

  • 1-2-3/4 shift pattern originated by Lentech
  • Compression engine braking in manual second
  • Electric overdrive delete (or lockout) and billet input shaft
  • Pressure modulation (meaning the throttle pressure cable controls the mainline pressure with the opening and closing of the throttle)
  • Fully automatic operation with manual shift capability
  • A quality selected core, completely stripped, all major components washed and inspected for excessive wear
  • Modified pump for better lube and cooler flow
  • Modified clutch cylinders to allow for extra clutches
  • 26 modifications in strategic areas for efficient clutch operation and life
  • Lentech 1-2-3/4 Valve Body with electric O/D delete
  • Hardened 1-piece input shaft
  • Re-assembled with all critical clearances adjusted for high performance/racing use
  • Dyno testing to insure a quality product
  • 12" converter, part# 7902-CONV-12 (as recommended by Len)
Needless to say, we look forward to trying out this combo. Thanks to both Ford Racing Parts and Lentech Automatics.

Resources:

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