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Bored - Build Me a Motor

  • Thread starter Thread starter psychorugby
  • Start date Start date Mar 14, 2012
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psychorugby

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Sep 28, 2011
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Mar 14, 2012
#1
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #1
Another slow day at work has me daydreaming about my 95 project car. The only piece of the puzzle that is missing is the motor build that will happen when everything else is done. I went back and forth for a while and thought I was settled on a 351w swap. Now, I'm not sure I want to deal with the headache of it all. Now I am trying to build a 302 that puts ~400rwhp and good low-end torque (honestly, I would be happy if it pulled like a diesel) for about $5-6k. Am I crazy... or should I ask how crazy am I?

I know the stock block isn't the place to start, but I don't know where the right place to start even is. DSS block and stroker kit? Or budget block from LRS and a blower?
 

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
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#2
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #2
Run the stock block at that power level. It's been done a million times. Just keep the timing and AFR conservative, the power below 500 rwhp (manual tranny), and the RPM limit at less than 6, and you're in good shape.

My recommendation on a budget:
- Aluminum heads (you pick)
- GT40/cobra/explorer intake (stay away from chinese junk):
- Stock or F-cam (go for driveability with this one if you intend to go with my forced induction recommendation):
- Forced induction: Simplicity = centrifugal blower (paxton/vortech).... You will have no problem getting 400rwhp. For the killer "diesel" torque you referenced go turbo! I'd personally save my $ and stick with the proven Hellion kit vs. the cheap On3 kit that people have had problems with (though some will defend it vehemently, On3 has had significant issues in the past and uses cheaper supporting parts). Any turbo 60mm or more should be plenty to split the stock block, and if you keep it around there, it will spool VERY fast. For the $, I love the master power T70. At around $550, you've got a turbo that will produce 600+rwhp, which gives you room if you go to a more solid foundation. Opting for an electronic boost controller is well worth it, IMO.
- Supporting bolt-ons: Budget $500-700 for a custom tune, or a chip you can tune yourself (Tweecer RT....whatever works for you AND, this is key, a wideband O2 sensor), fuel pump (255 LPH pump or more + depending on how hard you push, a Kenne-Bell boost-a-pump, 42lbs/hr injectors, a boost-sensitive AFPR)
- Built transmission (G-force T5, TKO (even a 500 will be plenty), T56, or a built auto)
- suspension/gear/tire (I know you just asked about a motor, but these points have to be addressed if you want to put that motor to appropriate use.)
- subframes if you don't already have them (or you will twist the hell out of your car's uni-body if you haven't already).

As an alternative to building your own motor, you can also consider starting with an Explorer 5.0 as they come with Iron GT40s, and a GT40 intake to begin with.

The combo above would be an absolute blast to drive, and guys in the 500rwhp range typically trap in the mid-high 120s in the 1/4 - enough to outrun just about any new non-exotic production car. You'll be in the same ballpark as a new GTR or Z06 from a roll. Don't get greedy, be careful tuning, and this combo will last a long time. IMO, this is an easy and affordable combo. If you end up blowing the motor up, you're out a couple hundred and some labor for another shortblock, which you can find on craigslist all day long. That's pretty affordable, and will keep you from investing thousands in a built aftermarket block.

Chris
 

VibrantRedGT

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#3
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #3
Rick91GT is building 333 cubic inch motor's hitting around the 375-400HP mark N/A. I'd just buy one of those and be done with it instead of buying a 351. The 351, different distributor, intake, probably won't fit under the stock hood. Not enough HP, slap a few pounds of boost on the 333ci for 500HP. He's a Stangnet Vendor, he's got specials going on in the Vendor Section.
 
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psychorugby

Active Member
Sep 28, 2011
128
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29
Tampa, FL
Mar 14, 2012
#4
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #4
FastDriver said:
The combo above would be an absolute blast to drive, and guys in the 500rwhp range typically trap in the mid-high 120s in the 1/4 - enough to outrun just about any new non-exotic production car. You'll be in the same ballpark as a new GTR or Z06 from a roll. Don't get greedy, be careful tuning, and this combo will last a long time. IMO, this is an easy and affordable combo. If you end up blowing the motor up, you're out a couple hundred and some labor for another shortblock, which you can find on craigslist all day long. That's pretty affordable, and will keep you from investing thousands in a built aftermarket block.

Chris
Click to expand...

This sounds like the plan for me. Now I am off to search for parts and report back with my findings. It's only a weekend car, so I don't necessarily want to be crazy with it; 4-500rwhp will be fine by me!

VibrantRedGT said:
Rick91GT is building 333 cubic inch motor's hitting around the 375-400HP mark N/A. I'd just buy one of those and be done with it instead of buying a 351. The 351, different distributor, intake, probably won't fit under the stock hood. Not enough HP, slap a few pounds of boost on the 333ci for 500HP. He's a Stangnet Vendor, he's got specials going on in the Vendor Section.
Click to expand...

I was dead set on the 351, but the more I looked at what all I had to change to get it to work, the more of a pain in the but it sounded like. Now I am back to modding the stock 5.0 and/or building a 302 that will snap my neck back.
 

VibrantRedGT

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#5
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #5
psychorugby
Here is a thread going in 5.0 Talk. Basically the same thing you're asking. Scroll down to the picture of the motor. That 333 with a cobra intake is making 386HP. That's crazy, Rick must be doing something right.

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/what-engine-builder-should-i-go-with.853866/
 
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psychorugby

Active Member
Sep 28, 2011
128
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Tampa, FL
Mar 14, 2012
#6
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #6
VibrantRedGT said:
psychorugby
Here is a thread going in 5.0 Talk. Basically the same thing you're asking. Scroll down to the picture of the motor. That 333 with a cobra intake is making 386HP. That's crazy, Rick must be doing something right.

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/what-engine-builder-should-i-go-with.853866/
Click to expand...

I just found that thread... That is exactly what I am after! I guess I won't be building it myself after all haha.
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
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#7
  • Mar 14, 2012
  • #7
Wait, you're bored, and we are supposed to build you a motor? I'm slammed with stuff to do.

Kurt
 
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psychorugby

Active Member
Sep 28, 2011
128
3
29
Tampa, FL
Mar 15, 2012
#8
  • Mar 15, 2012
  • #8
revhead347 said:
Wait, you're bored, and we are supposed to build you a motor? I'm slammed with stuff to do.

Kurt
Click to expand...

Send some work this way, I'd be glad to help out!

I just had no idea where to start with building a motor and needed some surfing material. That's all.
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
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#9
  • Mar 15, 2012
  • #9
I was just making a joke, it's cool. I know what you're saying. Kurt
 
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psychorugby

Active Member
Sep 28, 2011
128
3
29
Tampa, FL
Mar 15, 2012
#10
  • Mar 15, 2012
  • #10
revhead347 said:
I was just making a joke, it's cool. I know what you're saying. Kurt
Click to expand...

Offer still stands! Today is another slow day at work.
 

VibrantRedGT

"STANGNET'S PENGUIN SMACKER"
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Boca Raton, Florida
Mar 15, 2012
#11
  • Mar 15, 2012
  • #11
psychorugby said:
Offer still stands! Today is another slow day at work.
Click to expand...

PM or email Rick for prices. He's got some pricing in the Vendor section on several motor packages. I've bought parts from him recently, good prices.
 
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