Can I run 318 302 heads on a 360 block instead of the 308s?

For reference it's a '88 360 with stock crank/rods, Keith Black dished pistons with a compression ratio of 9.5 to 8.6, a hot street Hughes roller cam, and Edelbrock Performer dual plane intake.

I hear it's do-able but will hurt performance above 4500 RPM. Is there anyway I could machine my 302s to improve them, I was thinking I could open the valves, what do you guys think?
This is for my daily driver Power Ram so not going above 4500 RPM much anyways. Would really prefer to use 302s if it's do-able, I have a nice set that are ready to rock.

What do you guys think?

 

Yes you can use the close chamber head 302 head on your 360...
You are write... It will have it's limits, even with porting and larger valves, If you go that route...
Fit you will have to keep an eye on. make sure it all lines up rite. Manifold port size can get you with the 360...

 

I agree with Bob, as long as the cam is not too big. Smaller valves and ports create velocity and good mixture which promote great breakaway and low end torque, exactly what is needed in a heavier vehicle. A pocket port, plug exhaust air injection holes and removing the exhaust bump will help.

And Welcome.

 

Good catch Dan... Thanks.... I missed putting that up !!!
You will be limited on what will work for a cam.... Just saying, dont try to go over kill with the cam...

 

Thanks for the help guys! Sounds like these 302s will be a good fit for my application, horsepower is no issue but I have been trying to achieve more torque.

Already got the 302's smog holes plugged from previous 318 build and I got some Hooker Headers in exchange for the old factory logs so I think I'm set there. Does have a bigger hot street cam but I don't think it will be overkill. I talked to Hughes over the phone, gave them my estimated compression and desired RPM range and they sent me the cam that would best for my application. Supposed to be choppy and fast but still practical for a daily.

This is my third LA build and I didn't even realize the intake port size was different between 318, 340, 360, etc. Bought my intake second hand, like I said it's just an Edelbrock Performer just says 318/360 on it. What would happen if it's not the correct port size?

 

Correct manifold for this application.