So, I do not know much about mustangs but I am learning quickly... My question is, I will soon have a '71 hardtop with a auto 302 2v numbers matching. While I begin restoring this, I'd like to keep it as close to origanal as possible but would like to squeeze as much power as possible out of that 302. Suggestions?

 

heads, cam, intake, long tube headers or maybe a stroker kit or maybe find a 351 to drop in there. Oh and hey welcome to TMS

 

If stock is important, pull the original engine out, get a new/remanufactured one and build it up to your budget. Then you can revert to stock in a flash.

 

Yep, the crate engines are cheap and easy and will bolt right into what you have now.

 

i dont know what you mean by a hardtop .. a coupe and a fastback are both hardtops .. if you have a coupe modify it all you want .. it aint worth much .. if you have a fastback .. a 302 fastback still aint worth much .. make it a mach one clone