Already pushing with an S-trim blower 380rwhp and 400rwtq (power pipe, gt40 intake, exhaust, etc.). I think i want to do heads, cam, and a bigger pulley but will the motor handle it. If not is there anything i can do on top of heads and cam (aside from a new motor) to help the bottom end handle the extra power? Most likely going with AFR 185s and custom cam. Or should i wait till i blow up this motor and start fresh.
How much is too much?
- Thread starter 91stangy
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d.r.moss
New Member
If you go with more boost, I think you will split your block. How much boost are you running right now. 400hp is pretty good, I wish I was up there. I would leave it and put some money into another 302 or 351 and build it to hold 20psi of boost (The 351). Then you will be pumping some horses and still have a car to drive. I'm in the same boat, I have a Paxton on mine and my motor is in bad need of a rebuild, cant figure out which way to go, money and time. I think you will be throwing alot more money into a block that can not handle the power.
i know nothing i do up top will strengthen the bottom. car only has 70k on it if that matters. The tuner i had it at said no more boost or else the head gaskets will def. give thats why i was thinking of doing heads and cam. Aside from a rebuilt is there anything on the bottom end to replace or upgrade to help not blow up.
ive split one just shy of 500, IMO get the car to drive nice and have a good time, once you sink 15k into the drivetrain the car will never be the same. your not going to notice the diff b/t 450-500 on the street so thats how I feel
d.r.moss
New Member
You can add main girdles and stuff but I'm not a big believer in those. I have yet to have a block split, but I've done some research and they tend to split between the crank and cam journal, how are you going to save that. girdles may hold your main caps together but nothing will save the middle of the block, that I am aware of. Out of curiousity, how much boost are you running, I'm running 8psi but get 10 on the gauge sometimes. I just blew a head gasket and my motor leaks out of everywhere. I just parked it until I get time to tear it out. I have no power anymore.
i know everyone is going to laugh at this but no boost gauge yet, just havent had time (blower has been on for 2 years 
) so i couldnt tell you how much boost. I am running a power pipe and 90mm mass air. But i believe you guys have lead me away from touching this motor any further, so i think im going to have fun with the beater (corrado) and put some air ride on it or maybe some nos... Speaking of nos, would METHANOL be a bad idea for the 5.0 motor ???
) so i couldnt tell you how much boost. I am running a power pipe and 90mm mass air. But i believe you guys have lead me away from touching this motor any further, so i think im going to have fun with the beater (corrado) and put some air ride on it or maybe some nos... Speaking of nos, would METHANOL be a bad idea for the 5.0 motor ???
d.r.moss
New Member
Cant help out with the NOS but dont worry about the gauge, it took me along time too, I'm still trying to work my way throught college. I think your making the right choice with enjoying the motor as is.
RPM's play a major part in block life.
500hp revving to the sky all the time will split a block in no time.
600hp shifting at 2k around town only will last a lot longer.
But wheres the fun in that. It really depends on a lot more then just your combo, the simple answer is if you dont want to worry about it, get a new short block, if you dont mind the tought of splitting the block in the back of your mind all the time, get new heads and cam.
A proper tune is also crucial.
500hp revving to the sky all the time will split a block in no time.
600hp shifting at 2k around town only will last a lot longer.
But wheres the fun in that. It really depends on a lot more then just your combo, the simple answer is if you dont want to worry about it, get a new short block, if you dont mind the tought of splitting the block in the back of your mind all the time, get new heads and cam.
A proper tune is also crucial.
