Decision: new block or use old 302?

[American_Muscle]

Hey guys,

I'm at a crossroads right now.
I was wanting to order the trickflow top end H/C/I kit for my 91 lx.
I'm looking for a clean 300-400 rwhp.
Thing is my block has 137k miles.
I've been thinking about a new block ..like a Dart or 351W.
What I really want is a very streetable car.
I won't be running it at the track that's why 400 rwhp is the max I want.

I'm afraid I'll spend money on this kit and my block will crack or blow and then the parts will be down the drain.
I am willing to do a rebuild on this engine but will that "expand" the HP capabilities of the block?

I have about 3k to spend, which I figure could get me an excellent foundation.(ie Dart block or 351W)
But then again I don't know if it's worth it if I don't want "serious power" (like some on here want )

What do you guys think?

thanks
Patrick

 

[Modular2v]

i just used my block for my 331 stroker...when i pulled the motor the block had 215,000 miles on it! It doesnt matter how many the miles the block has on it, just take it to a machine shop have it maganafluxed to check for weak spots, have them hot tank it and put new freeze plugs and cam bearings in it. i would recommend doing the motor 30 over just to freshen the cylinder walls up. So you would actually end up with a 306cubic inch motor if you went that route you would need new pistons of course...i did my 331 stroker for less than 2000$

 

[American_Muscle]

But will a rebuilt/bored over 302 be able to handle 400rwhp RELIABLY?

 

[strokedandblown]

Yes it will, no problem.

the 351W would be a nice addition as well.

 

[American_Muscle]

That's what I'm going through..not sure what to get.

But from what I've heard it's not the internals that will take a crap but rather the block itself.
How can a rebuild and rebore prevent that?

 

[Modular2v]

That's what I'm going through..not sure what to get.

But from what I've heard it's not the internals that will take a crap but rather the block itself.
How can a rebuild and rebore prevent that?

the block is NOT a problem at the power level you are wanting to make!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[American_Muscle]

Ok nice!

So how "deep" into a rebuild do I need to go?
Am I talking about a full-on rebuild with new con-rods and crank etc....or will a $300 rebuild kit with pistons, oil pump do the trick?(+ of course the machine work like overbore etc)

 

[50gt1988]

Ok nice!

So how "deep" into a rebuild do I need to go?
Am I talking about a full-on rebuild with new con-rods and crank etc....or will a $300 rebuild kit with pistons, oil pump do the trick?(+ of course the machine work like overbore etc)

Just do some quality bearings and rings, forged pistons, I-beam rods or stock up to you, and stock crank. You should be ok with a stock oil pump but get a new one unless you plan on getting a bigger pan then you need a better pump.

 

[Modular2v]

Ok nice!

So how "deep" into a rebuild do I need to go?
Am I talking about a full-on rebuild with new con-rods and crank etc....or will a $300 rebuild kit with pistons, oil pump do the trick?(+ of course the machine work like overbore etc)

depends on what you want...if you are wanting 400hp i would say the easeist was to get there is do a 331......which is just a 30 over 302 with longer stroke, if you do go this route make sure you tell the machinest to notch your cylinder skirts so the rods will clear. A 331 with a decents set of heads and a good cam and intake package will make 400+hp

 

[American_Muscle]

Hmm...I'm not really sure I want to get the power via stroker.

I'd like to get a 306 rebuild + the trickflow top end kit and maybe 5-6 psi supercharger.

Or would the stroker be a better idea?
I just want to have as little machine work labor done as possible because the Euro-dollar exchange rate is terrible and the machinist charges in Euros.

 

[bynummustang]

Hmm...I'm not really sure I want to get the power via stroker.

I'd like to get a 306 rebuild + the trickflow top end kit and maybe 5-6 psi supercharger.

Or would the stroker be a better idea?
I just want to have as little machine work labor done as possible because the Euro-dollar exchange rate is terrible and the machinist charges in Euros.

I'm with him, would a stroker or a 306 rebuilt, h/c/i, and a small KB on top be the better route? I'm in the same boat as you man.

That is... for not enough power to shatter my block, 400rwhp at max.

 

[Dbeck002]

Keep the stock block, go with a 331 N/A no boost or gas.

My plan is similar, I want about 370 rwhp.

331 10.5:1 compression, the heads i have now AFR165s and a good custom cam with a holley systemax intake.

My shop says 2k bucks for the entire shebang. They clean my block, bore, flux, bearings, rods, pistons, crank... everything...

He said if i want a block i should get the sportsman for another 800 but thats not necessary.

 

[American_Muscle]

I'm about to do a compression test.
I pulled 7 of the spark plugs ( that last one on the passenger side at the firewall is a PITA!)
If the test turns out alright I'm thinking about just putting a blower on it and seeing if I'm satisfied with the power. (I've never driven anything more powerful than a 180 HP GTI 1,8t)

The plugs look they're almost brand new...no oil, no build-up NOTHING.

That's a good sign isn't it?