Alex's RCR GT40 MK1 build

[Alexk]

Figured it's time to start this post.
I placed the order on 12/4/23. RCR just contacted me to send them tires so I figured it's getting close enough to start the build thread.

Kit details
RCR40 Mkl Deluxe Plus Kit
RHD
Single nostril panel
BRM 15x8/10
Hartwell-Style Latch Kit
Door Eyebrows
Door Boxes
G96/01 LSD
302 headers

 

[Alexk]

Choice of engine is a sbf 302. I figured I wanted to be around 400rwhp, which can be done relatively easily in a 302.
I bought a 302 out of a 1996 explorer and then took pretty much everything off of it and threw it away except the heads and intake manifold.

Machine shop bored it out to .030
Trick flow 11r heads, 56cc chamber, 190cc intake.
F303 camshaft with 1.72 rockers
Intake is an Edelbrock performer air gap
Efi Holley sniper

The heads and pistons should bump compression up to around 10.5:1 so I think this combo should be right around 400hp.

 

[Randy V]

Looking good - but - I Hope you’re using different pistons than the ones shown as I am pretty sure those valve reliefs aren’t deep enough or big enough to keep your new intake and exhaust valves in the clear….

 

[Alexk]

Those are the old factory explorer pistons. I put in the 11r trick flow pistons to match the valve size of the heads. Current setup as is does not bind in any way, you can rotate the engine without any issue at all. Definitely a bad idea to put those heads on stock pistons for sure

 

[Jean-Marc]

Nice, but I think you will get a problem with the vent tube height on the valve cover, it will probaly hit the rear clam shell.

 

[Jerry Irwin]

Hi,
Any reason you didn't go the 347 stroker route ?

 

[Alexk]

I considered the 347 stroker, probably the main reason was cost and longevity that I didn't go with it. I can achieve the power I wanted without having to go that route so I decided against it.
As for valve cover height, I figured I'd run into clearance problems with it. Also concerned with intake height but we'll see. I don't really like the sniper valve covers too much but I like how they look. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if I had to change them