Awesome article in Engine Masters (built 331)

I thought you guys might enjoy reading about it. Unfortunately, I don't have my scanner, because I just moved to Germany.

When I get it, I'll post the article on my magazine articles thread.

Basically this is the combo and how it did:

- '65 302 block
- Crankshaft: RPM international steel 3.250" (low-buck), but reworked with a grind (counterweights, maybe?), nitride hardening, and custom lightening
- Clevite bearings
- FPS main support
- ARP studs
- 5.400 inch 2.100" journal RPM rods
- coated Ross pistons (5cc domes) 11.8:1 static compression
- Mahle rings
- Solid roller camshaft (256*@.050 & .640 gross lift, 108* LSA, installed at 103*)
- Isky Red Zone solid roller lifters with EZ roller option (no needle rollers)
- Comp ultra pro magnum steel rockers on ARP studs and a PRW girdle
custom 5/16" Smith Brothers pushrods w/ .116" hardened walls
- AFR 205 Eliminator heads with custom porting & 59cc combustion chambers (Are eliminators the nitrous version with bigger exhaust ports?)
- MLS gaskets
- 1.550" valve springs w/ 278lbs seat load and 704lbs open load
- Parker funnel-web intake
- Carbeurator: Dr. J's custom 4150 (no info on this... don't know what this is)

I really liked this combination of parts, and though I already knew what hp it would make (it was on the cover), I was really interested to see where it made power.

Peak torque came at 5600 RPM: 427 lb-ft
Peak power came at the max RPM they took the motor to: 543hp@7300 rpm

They added a Zex nitrous plate with a 150 shot and picked up another 180hp@7200 rpm bringing it to 743hp total!

I thought this was super impressive. I also brought out last quarter's magazine (they don't come monthly) for comparison with a 5.4L-based modular that was built for N/A power. The modular was actually bored for a total of 358c.i. and made 577hp @6400 rpm at 12.5:1 static compression with mild cams. I think the 331 would've matched the 358 in peak power numbers with a milder cam, or if they'd built it with a dart block and let it turn what it really wanted to, I bet that it'd be an 8000+ RPM shift motor that made peak power closer to 7600-7800 rpm.

Just wanted to let you guys in on this article. I think engine masters is becoming my favorite car magazine. Finally a magazine that goes into all the details in the build instead of glossing over the interesting stuff.

Chris

Yeah, no kidding. It's impressive. They explained that a little. The older early 70s and 60s small blocks had more webbing in the mains than the late-model 302 HO blocks. They said not as much as the mexicans, though. High hp, high RPM block... That's a recipe for disaster, though. I wouldn't be surprised if this block eventually comes apart, though.

NikwoaC said:

Chris, I agree with you on this being one of the best car mags out there. The writers seem to actually know wtf they are talking about, and its not stuffed to the gills with shameless advertising.

That said, the little 331 was badddd ass, was it not? I did feel like they skirted around the topic of block durability, though. 60s block or not, that thing isn't going to last long the way they plan to use it.

I was actually most interested in the junkyard SBC they did either in that issue or the one before, I can't remember. IIRC, they made 450hp with some dirt cheap parts, and used a lot of go-fast techniques that could be used in any engine. That Mod motor build was certainly impressive, but not everyone has the coin for such a build, which is why I dig the junkyard stuff more.

Click to expand...

Yeah, same magazine. I read it, too. 447hp from a chevy 350 with a stock bottom end. They just refreshened the engine's rings, bearings, seals, etc... They bought all shelf components - no junkyard stuff - and made that kinda power, which I thought was very impressive. We're talking a 380-400rwhp street badass for next to nothing. That's pretty good considering you can't buy and build an LS1 or really any other motor for that. I don't think I could personally piece together a 302 that would do that for the same amount of money. Do you?

For that money, you'd need a 347, which would cost quite a bit just for the internals even if you could find a 302HO for next to nothing - my brother's last 302 shortblock cost him $50.

very good point. I don't know why I'm so closed minded... I guess I just love the 302s...

Still, a 351 I actually think it could be done for the same amount of money... especially a 351C