best 351 crate engine?

[Jeffspeed24]

hey guys, I am on a 2 year project starting when i buy a good chassis and body. The car will be all N/A.

after deciding that the 05 mustang Gt is to big for my budget, i have decided to build up a 89-95 mustang far beyond stock........
i have researched a little and decided so far to build up on a 351 crate engine but there are alot of shops out there that rebuilds them.
I also plan to build it Carburated with a PA transmission; putting that out there if it makes a difference.
its also just going to be a weekend car
What kind of 351 would you get if you had $3,000 just for an engine?
If you Disagree on this path, which way would you go?

 

[393Bird]

You need to state your HP goals first. Depending on your goal, $3,000 could buy the complete engine, or only the block.

 

[Jeffspeed24]

how about 450-500 hp

 

[Jeffspeed24]

also, is it possable to get a 302 450hp all N/A and reliable at the same time.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Nearly anything is possible for a price. I doubt you're ever going to see a non stroked 302 NA running those kinds of HP numbers, but a 347 could, with plenty reliability if you're using a Dart block or R302 block, all billet rotating assymbly, some high dollar pistons, super good flowing h/c/i combo with lots and lots of porting. You're going to throw down some serious cash for a 500hp NA 302. You could just stroke a 351W to a 408 or get an SVT Lightning block and stroke it to a 426 with a nice high compression ratio, then with all the other above items you should easily be making those kinds of numbers. Remember, no replacement for displacement.

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Keith Craft 408 500HP/500 TQ for $5600 crate complete.

http://www.keithcraft.com/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=71&cat=

393Bird, awesome website!

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

i need that 600ci 1100hp motor in my coupe.
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

 

[Jeffspeed24]

Keith Craft 408 500HP/500 TQ for $5600 crate complete.

http://www.keithcraft.com/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=71&cat=

393Bird, awesome website!

\

Thanks for that kickass website, im going to be getting a loan for 15k and span it out 2 years with a lil of my money starting in 2 months, (at the longest). a good body and chassis is my #1 goal right now, maybe someones unmodded 5.0............................yaaaaaaaaaaa righhhhhhhhht

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

4 banger swap is all i have to say.

 

[Jeffspeed24]

i would like that 500/500 but might have to stick with the 375/375 308. I dont think that the 408/410 will be street reliable. but CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG.

 

[Jeffspeed24]

anyone know?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

You'd get a better answer from calling them. It all depends on how the engine is built. I have a friend with an '87 Iroc with a 406 and it'll stomp just about anything around here, but he blows the motor almost monthly because it's just not built for street. (yea he's rich)