Engine Motor Rebuild Help

So my 5.0 is on her last leg, that isn't necessary a bad thing, it gives me an excuse to rebuild it!

Before I get to the help questions, let me tell you guys my intentions for the car:

* I want a fun street car, something that I can play with people off of red lights, so I could care less what it can do in a 1/4 mile.

* I really want to get as close as possible to 500hp to the wheels, but no less than 450rwhp. I feel like that is enough power to have fun with, but nothing that is going to pop wheelies, I hope.

* This will be my weekend warrior, so it won't be my daily driver, but I do want the motor to last a good while.

So with all that being said, here is where I need help:

I have been thinking about building a 331 stroker with a turbo at a low psi (8-10), like I said I want upwards of 500rwhp, I hear the stock block may not be able to handle that, so would it be recommend that I get an aftermarket block? I would like to reuse the block if at all possible.

What about the pistons? Like I said, turbo, so do I pistons that are designed for a turbo for better performance?

I really don't know a whole lot about motors, so I don't plan on building it myself, I plan on taking all the parts to a performance shop and having them put it together for me; and that way I can have them tune it since they know whats in it.

What other things do I need to consider when going with this build? Camshafts, crankshaft, rods, valves, heads, etc. Like I said, I really don't know anything about motors. I need help picking out parts for the builders down the road. What about the upper end of the motor, throttle body, maf, injectors, rails, upper intake, etc.

Basically, I know what I want. 331 stroker with a turbo to hopefully gain ~500rwhp, I don't know what parts I need. I am open to suggestions on considering a different build. I don't plan on putting a turbo once I get the motor, I plan on adding it later, because money doesn't grow on trees.

Do note, I have been upgrading the car for more horsepower. It has a very large fuel pump 255LPH, I have upgraded the suspension, I am going to add subframe connectors, upgraded the brakes, plan on upgrading the cooling system as well. Any other things I need to upgrade for a more powerful motor?


Thanks for the help guys.

I am aware of the cost. When I say aftermarket, I am looking at a Dart 331 SHP. I do want 500rwhp as close as possible, so I am going to need to add a dart block to the list. Yes, I am glad you mention the transmission. I was going to ask in my original post. What should I do with the transmission? Do I need a 6 speed? What are good aftermarket transmissions?

Lots of good information here, thanks guys. I never thought about talking to a builder before hand; thats probably the best idea I have heard. I will start there. I don't mind investing money into a good motor, like most people, I don't think I will ever want to sell this car.

So for the transmission, I do want a manual. I am still wondering if it would be wise to go with a 6-speed, or stick with a 5-speed.
I am going to eventually swap the gears in the differential, I was considering 4.10. Thoughts on that? I don't care about mpg, so don't bother telling me I am going to spend a lot on gas.

I am not dead set on a turbo, in fact, N\A is what I rather have, but I figure I wouldn't make that without a power adder, shows what I know. I just want a powerful, reliable motor, that will last me a good while.

So I am going with a dart block, might as well look at 347's then. Thoughts on this block? Like I said, I am going to start looking for a builder in my area and asking around for advice on shops in my area. I already have a few places lined up.

Also, not that I am worried about it, but mostly curious, how much does builders typically charge for labor? How many hours does it take to build a motor? I have considered doing it myself, I feel like I could do it and do it well, but it would take me twice as long and I wouldn't have confidence in myself. I would worry about it even starting up for the first time. I am a student in engineering and I am really curious on how its done, but I just would rather have someone who KNOWS what they are doing and this would be an expensive learning experience if I messed it up. Hmm, I wonder if a builder would let me help and maybe teach me while he works on my motor.