getting a little money, need advice on what to do with it!

99FiveOh · Feb 3, 2010

Ok, I have a 94 GT with a tired 180k + 302 in it.

My budget will be about 3500-4000$

The original plan was to take this 351 motor I have to a machine shop and get it rebuilt with some forged pistons, throw a set of aluminum heads on it and boost it later on. I'm not too concerned with how much power it makes before the boost as long as it's reliable.

But of course like most people, when I actually have the cash I start doing more research and looking at all the options.

I have sitting in my shop a low mileage 302 that is clean as a whistle and is in perfect shape. I could buy up a set of used aluminum heads for it, get a cam and throw some boost at it with the difference in funds I'd still have left. I'm seeing Vortech kits for around 1500 bucks or less, which really has me thinking. Even better, I can buy a complete BG turbo kit for 2500.00. Not too bad..

So now I have to make a choice. Keep in mind that I will probably never race this combo on a track and the car at the most will only ever see drag radials, never slicks. So I don't need the best of everything from either engine, just something to toy around with on the street.

What should I do?

88stang88 · Feb 3, 2010

From my personal observation I find that most people that do what your doing regret not sticking to their original plan.

I say go with the 351!

BlackVert · Feb 3, 2010

88stang88 said:
From my personal observation I find that most people that do what your doing regret not sticking to their original plan.

I say go with the 351!

i agree

Adam95GT · Feb 3, 2010

how often will it be driven???

revhead347 · Feb 4, 2010

I would go with the 351. You'll be lucky to get it in the car with $3500 even with iron heads though.

Kurt

ProKiller · Feb 4, 2010

i say go the boost route. it's a cheaper start and you can build on it. if you get a 351 its a large up front cost for all the swap parts.

final5-0 · Feb 4, 2010

I've said it before and I'll say it again

I think it is not wise to go whole hog
on an OEM sb with both NA and blown combo parts
simply because you go over the limits of the sb

If you can be happy with 450 to the wheels

Then ... Don't it stand to reason ........

Ya don't need the best of heads, intake, cam, headers, yada yada yada

I like the idea of finding some Aluminum heads (thick decks for boost) and
whatever other parts you can scrounge up

These Aluminum heads don't have to be high dollar here

Remember ... You are trying to stay within the confines of the OEM sb

Anyhoo ... just a bit of what I think is common sense
and
Getting the best bang for the buck

Boost is gonna cram down the mix
so
Parts selection is not all that critical as it is on a NA combo

Also ... 400 to 450 to the wheels makes a pretty stout Street Car :Word:

Now ... If you don't think that is enough
well
Ya gotta start saving

Grady

99FiveOh · Feb 4, 2010

Since I had a blown car before, I remember the good and the bad. I loved the power it made but didn't like all the terrible blow by from it being a high-mile engine. I was also constantly worried about which time I hit the loud pedal was going to be the "last"! lol

I do know that the 351 windsor, not matter what year, is significantly stronger than the stock block 302. And yes, I'll be perfectly content with about 500 to the tires when all is said and done. If something can beat me when I have that kind of power, more power to them!

I will probably drive this car on a semi-daily basis..meaning when I feel like riding in style, I won't opt to take the mini-van to work...

I've been doing projects long enough to know that your initial budget is never enough. Taking that into account and not planning to go crazy on parts selection, I'm certain I can get this motor in the car for a little over 3 grand. It won't make insane power and to tell you the truth probably won't even make much more than a H/C/I 302. But like I said on my 351 build thread, that doesn't interest me anyway. Boost interests me and not the kind that will make the car run 9's either. I just want a fun street car.

I appreciate the replies! Keep the ideas coming if you have anything in mind...

getting a little money, need advice on what to do with it!

99FiveOh

88stang88

BlackVert

Adam95GT

New Member

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

ProKiller

final5-0

Mustang Master

99FiveOh

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getting a little money, need advice on what to do with it!

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Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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