Bessel block pros and cons

[biglar]

Ive been doing some reading up on the Bessel Main Cap system for the 302 stock block. Bessel states that there is no Main cap chatter w/ his system and therefor the block cannot split ,especially in the #2 main area, w/ elevated HP levels. Bessel states that they have achieved 900 hp on a stock block w/ no failures so far. bessel has also developed a Valley girdle for the stock block 302 that has 6 mounting points and is held in w/ a .003 preload. ive been looking at his system for my use and even though its 1500.00 thats shipped w/ block and all machining done. I know that some of you will say why dont just buy an aftermarket block? but then you have the cost of the block 1700.00 to 2300.00 and 700.00-800.00 in machining costs extra. please chime in on your thoughts of the bessel block pro or con. As for the valley girdle Westech has done an article in MMFF this month on there dyno testing of a stock block 302 w/ n2o and achieving a HP rating of 653 HP with out a failure. They credit the valley girdle pro for this achievement. Any opinions on this??

Thanks

Larry

 

[blksn955.o]

The guys that came up with that setup are local to me.

I think its a good idea for aftermarket blocks but really dont see any gain with the stock production 5.0 block.

1. There simply is not enough meat were it needs to be to handle more power. Adding it in other places might help to small degree or hold things together better when things do fail (guirdles here).

2. The mains of the stock block are more or less like a T with the top of the T were the main caps go. Taking any more away from this by either a splay bolt that now goes into the leg of the T (not much there to start with and making a hole for a bolt to put more stress on...not better).

The price for the setup is not cheap either (I want to say $1000+) and better fitting an aftermarket block IMHO. Several stock block combos run over 500hp, its not that they are going to instantly split. Its a matter of when...not if. RPM is also a BIG factor.

 

[porchstang]

How much power do you plan on making? I make close to 500 hp and have no problems at all we don't even run a girdle. We will next season. Do you plan on putting a power ader to it? If so how much? The stock block is fairly stong the rotating assembly is the weakest link really. What is this for road course or drag or street?

 

[biglar]

under 450 hp w/ n2o. Right now i have a set of GT40P heads and a trickflow street heat intake w/ a 65 mm TB and a 90 mm MAF.I also have a set of shortie headers w/ a X pipe and a 150 Wet shot of n2O going into a Plate system between the upper and lower intake. I plan on getting a scat 9000 series setup w/ 11.5 Cr so with this setup i just dont think ill need an aftermarket block. When i do change my combo it will be to a 363 ci and ill start over at that point. As of right now thou my motor is a little tired and i felt this would be a good way to go for the next couple of years.Thanks for the input guys and i do agree w/ you on the stock block strenght. I most drag race w/ little street time. Blksn95 we really have a very simuliar combo. What has been your best 1/4 mile et a speed. Ive gone 12.34 @ 109 with the stock heads and cam . Ive read alot of your posts and do believe weve posted about the n2O in the past

Big lar

 

[blksn955.o]

Been slakin' this year since it looks like my big bugs are worked out.

I hope to go to the track this Fri. for the last T&T of the year and get some N/A times..they will be on the street tires and my heavy TTII's.

 

[SQUEEZE&STROKE]

Dont waste your money on that system. A stock block is a stock block...no matter how much junk you add to it.

I made 407RWHP at 7K RPM with a stock block and it never broke. I used a main girdle and thats it. If you are around 450HP, just buy a gurdle and stock block. It you are going to make bigger power, save for a dart block and never look back.

 

[biglar]

Thanks for all the replys guys i really apprieciate it. Ill let you know which way i go and keep you updated Blksn 95 good luck at the track.

Larry