Hey guys I was hoping I can get some opinions on what path to take with my1990 F150 EFI 302 engine rebuild. After doing some research I cam across qdeezie's thread A bit of info for those looking to build 300+hp 5.0L/302s. I have been basing most of my decisions based on that. The engine currently has about 195K on it and I am going to do an entire rebuild of it. My goal it to get another 200K out of it without having to mess with it in the future and a little extra KICK. The truck is being used as a weekend around town driver, occasional commuting (interstate driving), and occasional towing.


I have most of my parts in hand I am waiting to save up some more for the machining. With longevity in mind I intend to replace most everything. The only original parts will be the crank, block, entire intake, and timing cover. I will also be deleting my smog pump due to head choice, clutter, and maintenance.


For upgrades I got:

• GT40 (3 bar) heads which have had a valve job and upgraded with Lunati springs. I measured the volume at 66cc.
  
• CompCams 35-512-8 hydraulic roller cam
  
• Ford Performance hydraulic roller lifters
  
• CompCams pushrods
  
• Accel distributor with steel gear
  
• IAC plate
  
• Bosch 0280155710 injectors for 96 Explorer (4 hole instead of 1)
  
• Fel-Pro .039 head gaskets
  
• All ARP hardware
  
• Ford Performance smog pump delete bracket
  
• American Powertrain Kevlar clutch.
  

Everything else like bearing, seals, and components with just be stock replacements, reputable brands of course.


So my dilemma is my compression ratio. Now I know it wont be definitive until after machining, but I am trying to be prepared. I want to go with floating pistons and rods both for ease of assembly, reduced friction, and durability (negligible I know). I already have Scat floating rods. I have been looking at piston options to get, after machining to get correct bore. The pistons I am looking at are Sealed Power H273CP which have a +8cc volume @ $160. Doing the math this puts my compression ratio at 8.43 to 1. I was expecting somewhere closer to 9 to 1. My second option is to get DSS Racing 8720-40** which have +3cc volume @ $390. This would put me ration at 8.92 to 1. My third option is to go back to press rods and pitons and get a ratio at around 8.7-9 to 1.


Option one is the cheapest and easiest. Option 2 is the most expensive and but still easy. Option 3 is middle in price but requires machine shop to press rods and pistons together which is extra cost. I am fine with option 1 if a ratio of 8.43 to 1 will be fine for my application. The problem with option 2 is I am already at a higher budget than I intended and those pistons don't help. However I would like to do it right and have something that works good and lasts. Option 3 is just not the path I intended to take, I really want to go with floating rod/pistons (probably irrational).


I apologize for the long windedness of this post. I appreciate any advice, experience, and possibly options I haven't even considered.


Thanks