what are some of the cheapest ways to get power out of a ford 302?

Put a nitrous kit on it..

there's a few different ways. A motor is just an air pump, so the less resistance the air has getting in and out, the more efficient the system is. efficiency = power. Start w/ a high flow air cleaner like k&n (apx $30) or a ram air intake(usually good for 5-15 hp). Then, a high flow exhaust system (single is REAL cheap and you can usually get a nice dual exhaust for $300) will get you at least another20 hp over stock. A decent set of headers will help too. If you are able to get into the motor, most machine shops will polish the heads (by smoothing the intake and exhaust ports as well as increasing the volume of the combustion chamber) for about 100-150 per head. Just beware of the crap products. the electric super chargers don't work and with it being an 1980 you won't be able to use a chip (since it's carbureated).

Get a chevy or dodge LOL just kidding, In fact the 302 compared to all fords produce better HP ratings than any other small block ford, dollar wise, Cleveland engines are the exception.

First you have to make the engine breath, 4bbl intake with a 600cfm vacuum Holley or double pumper if gas mileage is not a issue. Then headers, tri-y is the best, make sure they are ceramic coated inside and out and use a heavier guage pipe to get the heat out, 2.5 inch exhaust with a cross over and 2 in and 1 out pipe on the muffler, dual is nice looking and sound but single 2.5 pipe is better HP

That's about the cheapest, you would start with blue printing the engine and mods if you have more money then move onto the rear end.

Last this is the middle of the road mod as far as money goes and you have to be careful on what HP system you use so that you don't blow up your engine, you can get a single stage 50Hp fogger NOS system and there ya go

Hope this helps and good luck

Air and fuel in ,exhaust out,the stock intakes on the older 302's were very restrictive and have an odd entry angle to the cylinder head an after market dual plane intake makes a notable difference,we run a 460 and a 429 and have used the Weiand Stealth intake on these motors and we were very surprised at the results,match it to 650cfm carb,and you will gain horsepower but more important you will gain torque,install a set of long tube progressive or staged headers and you will unlock even more torque,the intake runs about $200+/-,the headers will cost you $175 +/- on the cheap side,if you feel lucky these parts are plentiful on eBay but you of course are taking your chances,good luck

the cheapest way to get power out of your Galaxie should be the real question the car is big and heavy. you should consider a motor swap i would find a 460 big block you can get a good running one for around a $1000 the stock bbf will put out more power cheaper then a sbf modified keep in mind the torque will also be greater and in a car like the galaxie it will move get a good running block through a set of aftermarket heads on it and youll be in the 400 to 500 horse range

The cheapest way to get more power ont of that Galaxie 500 is; you invited 5 of your buddies over for beers and after the second case of beer you get them tuned up pals of yours out behind that Galaxie 500 and tell them we're making a beer run and you only have 3 minutes to get to the store. lol wow what a idea.

cheap??? lol good ways are

1 new aluminum heads 1200 dollars

2 headers/exhaust system 400 to 800 dollars

3 aluminum intake and 600/750 cfm carb 500 dollars

4 pointless electronic ignition 200

5 347 create engine...5000....400HP

fun sites for hot rodding summit racing.com

Jegs.com

Hemmings motor news.com

its nothing special but if you can find a totaled out 96 or newer v8 explorer they come factory with gt 40 and 40p heads with tubular headers and an ho cam with 351 firing order.

Keep your valves clean

Put gasoline in the gas tank.