How to Build a Stealth 347

You have to hand it to Ford Motor Company for their long-lived260/289/302 engine family. It was finally replaced by the modular enginein 1996, but the 302 (and its various family members) has been one ofthe most successful engine programs in automotive history. While therehasn't been a production pushrod small-block in a Mustang since 1995,the research and development of this potent little powerplant continuesto expand. Today, increased cubic-inch versions of this venerableworkhorse are as common as stock replacement units. And, with thepopularity of today's 347 stroker, we want to look at a state-of-the-art302-cum-347 that may be just what you need for your latest project.

A recent trip to Paul's Automotive Engineering in Cincinnati, Ohio, wasall it took to bring us up to speed on what a cranked-up 302 is allabout. Paul and his team of Ford performance gurus turn out 347 enginecombos on a regular basis, and they were kind enough to let us followalong as they turned a 302 into a 347 stroker that kicked out over 375rear-wheel horsepower.

While just about every corner-store speed shop offers some form of the347 Ford small-block, Paul's has separated itself by being a littlesneaky about the appearance of the finished product. They've gone theextra mile, outfitting the engine with all of the correct 289 Hi-Podress for a stealthy combination that will fool most car-show judges anddish out enough power to slap any late-model you might run across. Theselittle details on the exterior can include such things as a date-codedblock, painted aluminum heads in the original Ford blue, fuel pumpsmodified to accept the correct filter canister, intake bolts painted alaShelby, correct 289 Hi-Po air filter, and a utilized date-codedbalancer, distributor, intake, timing cover, and water pump. Put it alltogether and it's hard to tell if it's a 200-horse stocker or a400-horse stroker!

Along with our photography, there is a detailed explanation of each partused to put one of these engines together. However, the realcraftsmanship comes in making it all work together. Over the last fewyears, as owners of rare Mustangs have started driving them again,Paul's has done over 30 installations of 347s dressed to look likeoriginals. The project ranges in price from $6,000 to $7,500 dependingon what options the buyer needs. Paul prefers clients to have Paul'sAutomotive Engineering do the build, install, and tuning on theirchassis dynos to make sure everything works perfectly before finaldelivery.

With an additional 200 horses at the stab of the throttle, this is oneaddition to your Mustang that's hard to resist.