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Although the numbers surprised several industry associates who underestimated the engine's potential, we were confident from the project's outset that the Probe Industries-built bullet would be an impressive engine, worth considering for a street-driven '79-'93 'Stang, especially now that the groundwork has been laid for building one. Previously nonexistent parts such as Boss/Cleveland-port-compatible headers and intake manifolds for 302-based engines are now just a phone call and credit card away from companies such as Air Flow Dynamics, Edelbrock, Kooks Custom Headers, and Wilson Manifolds.

This side-by-side comparison shows the radical differences between the modified, original '69 Boss 302 intake manifold (right) and Wilson's new induction piece. Check out the runner shapes and lengths.

A camshaft requires the rest of the valvetrain to be up to the task to get the most from its designed performance. First on the list is the appropriate valvesprings, correctly installed. Hydraulics can be particularly problematic if the goal is very high rpm, since the slightest false motion will begin to upset the delicate balance of the hydraulic mechanism. Most manufactures recommend specific springs or load levels for a given lobe, and these recommendations are typically a safe bet for most applications. If you decide to stray away from the recommended springs, you'd better have a good reason for making the change, and be prepared for some testing and trial and error before hitting on the ideal combo. Always pay strict attention to the installed height, coil bind clearance, and open and closed load, as installed.

With the engine out of the car, we had the opportunity to baseline this combo on the dyno. The engine was taken to Westech Performance Group for initial testing, using the same pair of 1 5/8-inch tube headers as run in the car, but flowing through the dyno's set of Flowmaster 3-inch mufflers. With some basic tuning, the 360 delivered very good output considering the basic combination, netting 416.5 lb-ft of torque and 416 hp. With that, the satisfied owner took his engine home for a teardown and detailing, and began to formulate the upgrade plans.

The next question has to do with the specs of the cam, which is dictated by the actual grind put on the camshaft. There's four key factors here: lift, duration, lobe separation, and the final aspect the actual lobe design, given by the series of camshaft. Herein lies the toughest decision in building the engine-which cam series to use and what specs. Making the correct selection takes experience and an understanding of how the various specs affect the engine's running characteristics and powerband, and interacts with one another. In most cases, the best chance of success is to talk to an expert, be it an engine builder with plenty of experience with your type of engine, or consult with the cam manufactures directly. Comp Cams offers free tech advice on their CamHelp line (800/999-0853). A wrong decision here can seriously set back the combination.

Considering The ComboThe Overall PictureThere's just no way to break component selection down on a part-by-part basis without having a good handle on the overall picture. Before buying anything, the goals of the build-up have to be clearly in mind. Will it be a mild, pump-gas cruiser built to rack the miles up while delivering a satisfying punch? A low-buck time bomb built for max power at a minimum outlay (for as long as it holds together)? A cost-is-no-object dragstrip crusher? A big-inch, moderate-rpm torque churner? A gas-sipping econo mill? The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, but the plan has to be locked down to make the right decisions in parts selection.

Magnum – Ideal pushrod series for street performance and mild race engines.

COMP Cams® carries a full line of pushrods in various lengths, diameters and options.

High Energy - Economical OE replacement series for street rods and daily drivers.

Please select one of the pushrod series from the menu on the left and then use the filters to find the exact pushrods for your application or specifications.