2-bolt strengthening

302stang.93 · Jan 18, 2008

I have a 89' 302 block with 2-Bolt main caps and I was wondeing what could be some way that I could strengthen the block. I thought about making it a 4-Bolt but I dont know if thats posible with this block or putting on a main gridle or vally gridle. Please someone give me some suggetions.

BlownFiveLiter · Jan 18, 2008

Welcome to :SNSign:

Unfortunately, the main caps aren't the weak point on the roller blocks, but rather the block itself is the weak point. You can build a pretty stout combo with a roller block, but if you're going to be pushing 450-500 horsepower, it's time to step up to an aftermarket block.

302stang.93 · Jan 18, 2008

So basically the block I have is crap, not much I can do? how much power do you think i can get out of it.

ttop88 · Jan 18, 2008

StangGT1995 said:
Welcome to :SNSign:

You can build a pretty stout combo with a roller block, but if you're going to be pushing 450-500 horsepower, it's time to step up to an aftermarket block.

Here is your answer I have seen 527hp and 495 trq stay together for 50 or so passes down the track but I wouldnt suggest it.

302stang.93 · Jan 18, 2008

is there any thing that could give me any more strength?

BlownFiveLiter · Jan 18, 2008

I wouldn't call it crap necessarily, but it was more of a do everything block. It was put in everything from F150's, to Lincolns, to Mustangs. Obviously, the Mustangs were a performance vehicle, but I don't believe they intended to double the power output, so they sacrificed strength for reliability and probably cost effectiveness when casting them.

302stang.93 · Jan 18, 2008

I not planing on draging right now I just want to be able to get posibly 350+HP
if thats posible.

BlownFiveLiter · Jan 18, 2008

That's definitely within the safe range. No worries at all at that power level.

302stang.93 · Jan 18, 2008

But could I put on any type of power adders with this type of block.

Sicarius428 · Jan 18, 2008

Ya no problem. The stock HO block is generally accepted to go to 450HP without problems. The HO block tends to split from the valley down so putting anything on the main caps won't do much other than potentially keeping the caps from walking. 350 shouldn't be an issue.
Kevin

bentley429 · Jan 18, 2008

350 is fine, sometimes they split at 400 hp or times they hold together at 600 hp for years. Plenty of people in the 9's on a stock block but not the smartest idea.

PUNISHER RACING · Jan 18, 2008

Yeah like said above it all depends I broke one in stock form when I was younger from just years of over revving the engine and just plain abuse. Then there are people who make 400-600 horse with em without a problem. If you plan on a 400 horse build get you self a stud kit and girdle for the bottom end. A valley girdle will do wonders for the little guy too!

fford · Jan 18, 2008

I am having dowel pins put in the main caps to help with stability.

85_SS_302_Coupe · Jan 18, 2008

So much of keeping 500hp together is in the tune. My buddy ran 525hp on an Explorer block for a whole season of racing 10 second ET's, and when the motor let loose it was one of the rods, not the block. He didn't use a stud girdle or anything, just a junkyard Explorer block with a cam and intake and a DIY turbo setup.

bryce93lx · Jan 19, 2008

Don't get sucked in by any of the bs out there, companys like dss and a few others sell "level ten cnc blocks for way more than they are worth and they are no stronger than a junkyard block, becuase that is all they are, junkyard blocks with a useless cnc program. The upside to all this is when the block splits you get a sweet flower planter.

Foxfan88 · Jan 19, 2008

factory 302 blocks are pretty wimpy, i am suprised they hold up as good as they do.

PUNISHER RACING · Jan 19, 2008

doweling and pinning of the caps is a good thing to do to a block that is gonna see extreme duty!

85_SS_302_Coupe · Jan 19, 2008

bryce93lx said:
Don't get sucked in by any of the bs out there, companys like dss and a few others sell "level ten cnc blocks for way more than they are worth and they are no stronger than a junkyard block, becuase that is all they are, junkyard blocks with a useless cnc program. The upside to all this is when the block splits you get a sweet flower planter.

Well as far as stock block vs. stock block goes, i'd take one of theirs over one that doesn't have the work that they do on it, but yeah it's not like it's going to withstand 100 more hp just because of what they do. For the money i'd rather look for a Mexican block.

PUNISHER RACING · Jan 19, 2008

Mexican blocks and 289 hipo blocks are a good way to get another 100 horse safely in a little 302 block

fford · Jan 19, 2008

I second the good tuning as well. You can split the best block in the world with a bad tune.

2-bolt strengthening

302stang.93

New Member

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

302stang.93

New Member

ttop88

Member

302stang.93

New Member

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

302stang.93

New Member

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

302stang.93

New Member

Sicarius428

Active Member

bentley429

Banned

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member

fford

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

bryce93lx

Member

Foxfan88

My Grandpa has great wood.

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

PUNISHER RACING

Active Member

fford

Similar threads

2-bolt strengthening

New Member

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

New Member

Member

New Member

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

New Member

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

New Member

Active Member

Banned

Active Member

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

Member

My Grandpa has great wood.

Active Member

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end

Active Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency