My Motorsport SVO book indicates that all 302 engines from 68 to 94 have an 8.206" crankshaft centerline to deck measurement. All the '70s 302s I've disassembled have had dished pistons and large combustion chambers, both of which of course kills the compression ratio. I wish I could find a 302 with a taller deck, though, so I could cram even longer connecting rods in there.
Just wanted to pass on a what caused my latest motor to have alot of valve train noise, although I don't believe it's the problem with your motor. I think you would have noticed the oil puddle by now. After installing my new motor and noticing lots of valve noise after initial startup, I was curious why that was because I had adjusted the lash pretty close before startup. Well it only took about 10 mins. of running in the shop before the problem came to light. The huge pool of oil dripping from the back of the engine was the first sign. That's right, the engine builder left a galley plug loose and was bleeding off all the pressure to the lifters. This was not some fly by night builder either but he made an labor intensive mistake for me to repair. My first attempt at letting someone else build my motors and I'm pretty sure it will be my last. Just goes to show anything's possible.
That sucks- Had the same thing happen on a pontiac motor I built for a guy. Anyway I have my problem fixed COMP CAMS sells an adjustment kit for non adjusters . New locknuts and hardened washers---part# 4610-16. By the way while at the auto parts they came up with pushrods that were 6.886 ( .010 over) but could not order them !! now we have 6.876--6.886--6.882--6.905-- and they had some in the book that were .060" over ??
