[Fr. Frank]

With parts getting harder to find for the 302/351 your probably better off putting a 350 in there. The mounts and shaft may be another issue and you will need to look at re-propping it.

Torque is what you really want to measure not HP.

The parts are a real consideration. And it's true that torque output is what puts you on plane. But don't disparage the small-block Ford. Most were 175-225 hp in cars and trucks, but the stock 302ci 210hp small block installed in the Ford Thunderbird in the mid 90's put out 290 ft-lbs of torque, compared with the 350ci 230hp motor of the same period by Chevrolet which produced only 265 ft-lbs of torque.

(Both the 302 Ford and 350 Chevrolet motors are capable of reliably producing 350-375hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque without wildly extravagant setups thanks to modern materials and electronics.

I must confess, however, after all of that, the the Chevy/GM motors do seem to be more durable.