Need opinions on motor build-up

[quick35th]

Guys I have a few questions. I am planning on building a 5.0 based 331ci motor for my '90 Thunderbird SC. I will be doing mainly autocross and maybe some road racing and a little drag, but mainly autocross. My goal is to make between 300-400RWHP N/A.

Heres my questions. Can I get these numbers reliably? What short block should I use? I have been looking at the one offerd by D.S.S. racing. Is that a good short block to base my project off of? I dont want to build an unreliable motor that needs rebuild every season and cost loads of cash. I want something that I can run for a long time and be strong. It needs not be an all out race motor as I dont have the skill or need all the power for what I am going to do with it. I am building this motor under a budget and if there is a better value short block out there that will hold up please let me know.

What other parts should I go with? I have been looking at find a used set of Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads and a Trick Flow Track Heat upper and lower intake.

Shane

 

[hllon4whls]

Better go ahead and get the forged/light internals and a good balancer to help out with sustained higher RPM.

Might want to go with an oil cooler and some good quality synthetic.

Other than that, a 331 is a great choice. Lighten up the front of the car, slap on some big brakes and have fun.

 

[quick35th]

Cool. Whats a good balancer to go with?

Shane

 

[ponyboy19]

The DSS 331 pro bullet or comparable short block would be a good choice IMO. A stock block will easily handle 3-400 rwhp. I would stay away from used heads though as the price difference from new doesn't justify the gamble you take.. I got burned on that one before.
If it were me building the motor I would do a stock block 331 with good internals and a girdle. If your staying N/A i would bump compression up to 10.5:1. I would go with a FTI AFR head and custom cam set up and matching intake that Ed Curtis suggest. Take the gamble out of it and have them put together a known combination taylored to your car (weight) and intended use. http://www.flowtechinduction.com/ As far as a balancer goes.. I think DSS has one they sell, romac makes a nice one and if you want to pay a little more ATI's can't be beat.