Thanks for all the replies folks! The reason for the 302 is because everyone and his cousin has 350/383/LS1 swapped third gens nowadays. A Chevy 302? Most people have no idea that even exists. Sure, a 350 would be a lot more practical, but the 302 will be a unique and fun little motor. Playing around on Desktop Dyno and Camquest6, I've found that by using cams such as the 260HR, 270HR, and 280HR, you can make the power band on this motor much more street friendly. Also, I do honestly suspect that this motor would be a lot nastier than the smog 350s, even in factory L98 trim (minus cam connecting rods and crank, naturally)

It will without a doubt let me smoke any factory 90s and older 302 'stangs out there