Engine build opinions

[wild86stang]

I'm rebuilding my engine this winter and plan on getting some new goodies. The 5.0 has probably around 100,000 miles on it (not sure because the speedometer&odometer were broke for a long time, and just broke again). The block and crank are in great shape in my opinion, and I had it verified by an experienced friend. Anyway, I wanted to get your opinions, and possible experience with the following setup: Trick Flow Track Heat heads, Trick Flow Stage 2 cam (.542” intake/.563” exhaust; 224/232 duration), 1.6 ratio rockers, and Keith Black hypereutectic pistons that are made to work with the T.F. heads to yield 10.4 compression. I know I should spring for forged pistons, but I am currently limited to around 2 grand, and they would push me over. I already have shorty heads, offroad h-pipe, and flowmasters, 24# injectors w/MAF conversion, and a 65mm throttle body and egr. If I can somehow get more money I'll spring for forged pistons and maybe longtube headers. I'd like the car to be a high performance street/strip car. It will remain naturally aspirated, it's a convertible so I don't want to get real crazy. If I left out anything important please let me know. This is my first engine build so any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

[bluevenom867]

The KB are good pistons,we've ran high rpm (relativly speaking one here) and a dose of nitrous (150hp shot) with no problems.

What intake you got in mind?

 

[wild86stang]

I've got an Edelbrock Performer on it right now, which will unfortunately have to stay on for a while due to funds (or lack of!)

 

[bluevenom867]

I've got an Edelbrock Performer on it right now, which will unfortunately have to stay on for a while due to funds (or lack of!)

The Performer is enough for that combo,so I would stick with it.

The TFS 2 is an exellent cam,I wouldnt change that either.

Are you putting it toghter your self?

 

[wild86stang]

Yea, with help from a friend who has experience, but I'll gladly accept any tips/tricks/suggestions. I'm doing it mainly to go faster, but also to gain the experience.

 

[bluevenom867]

Yea, with help from a friend who has experience, but I'll gladly accept any tips/tricks/suggestions. I'm doing it mainly to go faster, but also to gain the experience.

Get the block and your componets to a machine shop as qwik as you can!

Lol,Im serious they wanted our block for close to 2 months

Hot tank it,a good bore/hone (I like torque plate honing) job is critical,have it decked if needed,have it line honed.Make sure you have them balance your crank and rods (they usually want the pistons too).Use good ARP hard were you can.Also,have them put cam bearings in,ask about if they got coated cam bearings,there not much more,but I really liked the ones that came with our dart block.If needed,have them press the pins into your pistons.

The rest you can do your self,use good bearings and clean,clean,clean!Do everything to spec and double check!When gapping rings on the KB pistons,USE KB'S SUGGESTED RING GAP!Also,if you can get a better balancer than the stock one,I have heard of them rotating (the rubber wears out I guess),I think Pioneer and Profesonal Produces makes a reasonbly priced one?If your getting a new distributor,MAKE SURE IT HAS A STEEL GEAR FOR THE ROLLER CAM!One piece oil pan gaskets are worth it.

Anything particlualr you want to know,just ask.

 

[Mike92GT]

Make sure and use good bolts. You can't go wrong with ARP. If possible, use their main studs, rod bolts and headbolts. Also remeber to factor in parts such as new pushrods (you need longer, hardened ones for the TFS heads) timing chain, oil pump, gaskets, and heavy duty oil pump shaft