Help with 331 Stroker? Suggestions?

Matsui56

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Feb 26, 2000
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Campbell, CA
Have a 331 stroker kit comin :D

Spoke to the guys at DSS, they said it is NECESSARY to get main girdle support when you put the stroker on, but I wouldnt think so. Keep in mind, this is going to be a very mild street application, no boost or juice, just gt40 heads and intake. Is the DSS Girdle absolutely necessary?

Also, if you want to make some suggestions(parts, tips, tricks), I would be glad to get opinions, as this is my first time stroking. I have already bought a new 28oz damper and flywheel to get it balanced easier.
 
I wouldn't say it is needed with all strokers but I like the idea of them and the DSS unit fits very nice, and comes with main studs that you want!

Depending on what style rod and rod bolt you got, the cylinders will need to be notched for clearance.
 
A little info on the parts:

-HAWKS RACING 331 3.25"" STROKE NODULAR IRON CRANKSHAFT WITH STD/STD SB FORD JOURNAL SIZES
-331 5.400" CNC PROFILED LIGHTWEIGHT FORGED I-BEAM RODS WITH ARP WAVE-LOC BOLTS (BUSHED)
-KEITH BLACK .030 10cc DISH TOP, PIN FIT PISTONS PISTON PINS AND RETAINERS (9.7CR/60cc)
-ROD AND MAIN BEARING SET STD
-+.030 PREMIUM RING SET

I mean for a setup that is probably only going to net me 300 or so to the wheels, I think the girdle support isn't as necessary? Also, I have heard nothing of having to notch the cylinders?
 
Siege- It is the one from The Mustang Depot. Good guys, and really good prices. I saw you were shoppin at Speedomotive for the 331.... almost went there, but they couldnt get the stuff to me fast enough and were going to charge me 150 bucks to balance on top of getting a new fly/damp.
 
Get a steel girdle.....My machinist warned me of the aluminum ones because as the motor heat's up the block doesnt expand But aluminum does real easy and would actually stress the cap's even further and totally defeating the purpose.

I just bought a Canton Steel girdle with a Canton windage tray for $245.00
 
BillaMustang said:
Get a steel girdle.....My machinist warned me of the aluminum ones because as the motor heat's up the block doesnt expand But aluminum does real easy and would actually stress the cap's even further and totally defeating the purpose.

I just bought a Canton Steel girdle with a Canton windage tray for $245.00


Where'd ya find that at?
 
oh, ok that's right it was mustang depot, not unlimited, my bad. I was originally lookin at that kit instead of speedomotive. but then I decided I wanted to get a shortblock. why were they gonna charge you extra for balancing? they say on their site they balance for free if you buy the flexplate and damper there...might have to go back and check that.
 
siege said:
oh, ok that's right it was mustang depot, not unlimited, my bad. I was originally lookin at that kit instead of speedomotive. but then I decided I wanted to get a shortblock. why were they gonna charge you extra for balancing? they say on their site they balance for free if you buy the flexplate and damper there...might have to go back and check that.

Anybody have a suggestions on the best oil pump?
 
You might want to read this thread http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=438806

One thing to keep in mind if you want a good forged assembly you want 4340 rods and a 4340 crank. Sometimes you get waht you pay for ;) If they are not advertising exaclty what parts are in the kit like a lot of the knock offs do you do not know what you are getting for rings and bearings which is also very important.
 
Yea, what Rick just said...... If they won't identify the parts walk away. The girdle just sounds like cheap insurance to me. With the combo you describe you probably won't have to notch the cylinders. Usually the heavier forged H beam rods require notching. Take care to check the clearance anyway. You can see my 331 buildup on my site. One suggestion.....take nothing for granted when someone on the other end of the phone tells you something unless you can prove or verify it. He's in the business of selling parts.....he won't be coming to your house to help you tear your motor back down because of a wrong combo or cheap parts. Mike