Pulling stock 302, rebuild, refresh, upgrading - what to do

[landshark]

I know i haven't even got the wheels under the frame yet... matter of fact i haven't even started coating the frame but none-the-less I want to start acquiring/thinking about the parts needed for my engine refresh/rebuild.

I forgot to do a compression test while the engine was still hooked up, so I will so a leak down test once I get the engine on the stand.. or I guess I can do it now while its still on the frame.. either way I need to benchmark where the engine sits as of right now.

That being said Im interested to make some mild improvements to the engine and replace things that need to be replaced since the engine probably has about 80,000 miles on it.

What I want to do is start a list of items so i can start ordering what I need or craigslist what I can find.

I'm a total rookie at engine building, really took my first dive in the TBI conversion I did a few months ago, but I didn't really go below the intake on that one. Not scared just need to know what you would replace on the engine to make it like new... or make it better..

Things to keep in mind -
I'm not going EFI on this.
I have decided not to convert to a serpentine belt setup right now.
Keeping the stock carb.
Keeping emission equipment.

Heres my current list, as I get more informed or I receive suggestions I will add to it - any suggestions you might have as far as improved parts please chime in!

Carb rebuild kit
New 9mm Ford Plug Wires
Pertronix Billet Distributor
Flame-Thrower II Coil
Header Gaskets
Valve Cover Gaskets
Water Pump
Water Pump Gasket
All new hoses
New Thermostat
Oil Pan Gasket
Timing Chain
TIming Chain Gaskets
Headers?

[Colorado75bronc]

I would recommend going to a later model duraspark ignition and stay away from aftermarket, oem duraspark will work better and look like it belongs , I had a petronix ignitor setup on mine, never quite got it to run good, and ended up going back to points until I can get the rest of the efi parts

[landshark]

I would recommend going to a later model duraspark ignition and stay away from aftermarket, oem duraspark will work better and look like it belongs , I had a petronix ignitor setup on mine, never quite got it to run good, and ended up going back to points until I can get the rest of the efi parts

Am I points? I thought the 76-77 had the newer type ignition?

[Viperwolf1]

'75 and newer should have electronic. Should be an ign module on the driver's side inner fender.

[Justin]

Yours is electronic. I remember see the Duraspark box and wiring on the fender when I was over there. Re: your list, I'd skip the headers. Leaving that truck bone stock would be really cool and will likely result in a much higher value.

[landshark]

Yup iam leaving it stock, maybe change the cam.. but we will see how the leak down test goes and what the bank account says after i get the suspension back together and start working on the interior!