Looking for input on Motor choice

[stevedjarrell]

So two days ago I was rolling down the road and a head gasket imploded. Before I could get the key off the motor locked. then I watched coolant pour out. I think the engine is hydro locked but will find out the extent of damage this weekend. Was a 302 block, 289 pre smog heads and tiny 67mm Turbo...

My question for the group is this. I am looking at a new engine and I have been shopping around. the intended usage is really just a fun cruiser that is fast between the lights. the chassis was built for SCCA so it is a fun little go cart. All that said. I was planning to go 408 but that seems like it is more than I really need. I also looked at a 347 option. those of you that have gone the 408 routes, any regrets? To choppy at stop lights? Poor highway characteristics? compression? Anyone running a 408 with a super charger or Turbo and if so what boost levels?

Just looking for experiences and opinions as nothing is available for 6-10 weeks. I have called a lot of folks, S and J engines was by far the easiest to talk to so far.

 

[AeroCoupe]

I can tell you a well built 408 will be just fine idling and have way more bottom end torque than a 331 or 347 NA or with a turbo. I will say a 331 or 346 with a turbo will make some great hp and is pretty light weight.

Depending on the hp level you might need to start looking at a Dart block or similar on a 331 or 347 at which time a stock block 408 makes sense.

You need to tell us what hp level you are wanting, rpm range and what you plan on doing with the car.

 

[stevedjarrell]

I am just looking to build a fun cruiser. No track time planned. HP, right now I am limited to what my Sniper 2 will take, 550HP but to be honest 450 and I would be happy. I would like to be able to drive down the highway at 65-80 and not be doing 4K rpms though. I have 3.55 gears and a new tremex TKX with a .68 OD gear. I am not married to the turbo as it is a little small for the 408. NA is probably where I will stay. RPM wise, I am not really sure I assumed I was limited to 6000 rpm, can't see a need to go over that.

 

[Noobz347]

the chassis was built for SCCA so it is a fun little go cart.

What chassis? A Fox chassis?

 

[stevedjarrell]

What chassis? A Fox chassis?

Poor choice of words, the suspension was built with road racing in mind (Spring rates/Coil over choice, etc.) all QA1. The car is pretty stiff, now I have never raced it so not sure how well I did but I will say it is a blast in corners.

 

[Noobz347]

That doesn't answer the question about what it is you're trying to shoehorn this 408 into.

 

[stevedjarrell]

That doesn't answer the question about what it is you're trying to shoehorn this 408 into.

I see now my signature is not there.... I am moving this into a 1992 Mustang LX Hatchback.

 

[Noobz347]

I see now my signature is not there.... I am moving this into a 1992 Mustang LX Hatchback.

Ah! Just making sure. lately, everybody with a "dune buggy" and a 302 has been showing up around here.

I dunno what your budget is but:

Ford Small Block Compatible 347 c.i. Engine - 415 Horsepower - Long Block - Rear Sump

BluePrint Engines 302 c.i. small block Ford style crate engine - longblock. Includes 30 month / 50,000 warranty & BPE Dyno Promise. Part #: BP302RCT

blueprintengines.com

Do some reading into their blocks. They are [new] and they are [4-bolt].

 

[stevedjarrell]

Ah! Just making sure. lately, everybody with a "dune buggy" and a 302 has been showing up around here.

I dunno what your budget is but:

Ford Small Block Compatible 347 c.i. Engine - 415 Horsepower - Long Block - Rear Sump

BluePrint Engines 302 c.i. small block Ford style crate engine - longblock. Includes 30 month / 50,000 warranty & BPE Dyno Promise. Part #: BP302RCT

blueprintengines.com

Do some reading into their blocks. They are [new] and they are [4-bolt].

I spoke with S and J Engines out of Washington State and was quoted $5700 for a complete 408. I know Blueprint engines has a great reputation but I can get more from S and J and pay about 1K less. MY budget is pretty fluid, depends on how much I want the wife to be PO'd. I was trying to stay around 5K before I started looking at 408's. I will need a new hyperspark Distributor and exhaust as it is a turbo car now, or was.

 

[gkomo]

I feel like you could reuse and machine/rebuild your current 302, upgrade your H/C/I, add your existing turbo and be where you want to be for your intended needs and probably keep the costs down quite a bit.

 

[limp]

I am saving right now for a blueprint SBC in my corvette project..... I added up some hard numbers and I can't build one for this price.. I can't build one of their long block engines up like this for the same price.... Same NEW block, 4 bolt main, one piece rear seal as the SBF except a better price...
I am starting from scratch so no old items to use ( intake, Carb, Dist, etc)
When I was young a 340 horse 350 was no slouch,, Not looking for big horsepower to get me to Cars N Coffee.. This engine sells for $5599.00 and I can pick it up at the Georgia Summit warehouse.....

 

[2000xp8]

Build a top tier 347 or 363 using a 4 bolt block.
Probably be the most sensible and reliable.

I don't know that much about blueprint parts, but if their crate engine is only rated for 415 flywheel hp, i'm not impressed.

 

[Noobz347]

Build a top tier 347 or 363 using a 4 bolt block.
Probably be the most sensible and reliable.

I don't know that much about blueprint parts, but if their crate engine is only rated for 415 flywheel hp, i'm not impressed.

You must have a warehouse full of 500+ HP, NA, hydraulic roller, pump gas Windsors.

Can I have one?

 

[2000xp8]

Putting in perspective, 415 flywheel is 355 rear wheel.
You been around a long time, honestly, does that number from a 347 impress you?
I've seen stock shortblock 302s make more than that.

 

[Noobz347]

Putting in perspective, 415 flywheel is 355 rear wheel.
You been around a long time, honestly, does that number from a 347 impress you?
I've seen stock shortblock 302s make more than that.

It's not stellar but for the money... I'd boost the out of it and call it a day.


I think too many people expect 1000HP from an 8.5 inch deck.

 

[2000xp8]

I'm not opposed to the power adder, but boost isn't always simple or cheap.
Though if he's capping the hp at 550, i'm not sure i see the need for a power adder at all.

Custom cam, high end heads and matching intake would go a long way on a well built 347.
I think the goal of a 347 has got to be at least 400rwhp.

 

[Noobz347]

I'm not opposed to the power adder, but boost isn't always simple or cheap.
Though if he's capping the hp at 550, i'm not sure i see the need for a power adder at all.

Custom cam, high end heads and matching intake would go a long way on a well built 347.
I think the goal of a 347 has got to be at least 400rwhp.

So, what do you think an off-the-shelf 347 should produce at the crank?

Also... Do you have an example?

I mean... My combo cost a lot more. It will [handle] a lot more. Will it make more in NA trim? Probably not.

I would [love] to do a 500+ N/A combo. I've looked into it more than once. I recall three things as it relates to our discussion:

It's expensive
It has solid lifters
Pump gas is 'iffy'

 

[Noobz347]

To be fair, I don't think Blueprint is out to provide impressive numbers

No, they're not. And their number is probably a, "Meh... Good enough".

 

[gkomo]

Just for reference i got a SUPER rough quote from a local engine builder just to rebuild/machine my 302 and he responded, "A very rough estimate would be $2500-4900; unless we get a very detailed list of parts"

in my email i said i would provide some parts, you would need to provide others, but didn't give him a list or anything. I wasn't expecting anything exact, but this just a ballpark... still cheaper than any other options i'm seeing in this thread.

 

[LILCBRA]

To be fair, I don't think Blueprint is out to provide impressive numbers. But if you're looking for something relatively reliable, it might not be a bad idea. It looks like their heads are comparable to Twisted Wedge heads in flow numbers, with the TW's outperforming them on top. So yeah, take one of their short blocks, add a better set of heads, and I think you'd be further ahead if that's all you're after. But for a cruiser, it may not be a bad choice....