need some info on strokers

[xplo89gt]

Well winter is here and my car is going to be garaged in the next few days. Just waiting on my daily driver to get fixed.

Anyway, I am already contemplating my next mods. I think I will be doing some rear suspension over the winter and otherwise saving, but I wanted a bit more info on strokers. I may go that route or just supercharge or do both?

Basically right now I have a 302 block with 80k miles and just put TFS heads, intake, stage 1 cam, valvetrain etc in it. If i planned to stroke it, since the above was enough of a challenge to me, I probably wouldn't be able to do it myself. Would it be better to buy a stroker kit for that block and get a shop to do it or buy a short block, build it myself and attempt to remove the old one and stick the new one in?

Trying to get some questions answered so I can plan my budget out accordingly. It would be great to get this done for summer.

 

[go-stang5.0]

Well, you could just get a short block mailed to you from DSS or CHP. They are very reputable. As far as installing the engine, if you have a cherry picker or are willing to buy one its do able in your garage. Basically its just making sure your connecting everything correctly when you get done. Pulling the old one out and dropping the new one in isnt that bad. Its all the little stuff that gets really tedious and annoying. As far as building the motor from scratch, you are gonna have to make many trips to the machine shop and may need things like dial bore gauges if you wish to blue-print the shortblock. If you feel up to the challenge then go for it, but if you dont have any experience with this kinda stuff you may want to take a class at your local community college first or something. Or if you have someone experienced that can help you with this kinda stuff, ask them. I didn't feel confident building my motor myself as I didnt have the toold for it nor did I have anyone to go to if I didnt understand something so I opted to by a assembled 331 shortblock and not worry about it. Anyways tools will cost as much as assembly labor so if you dont plan to do this often then your gonna have tools you cant use and you'll have used up a lot of time.

 

[xplo89gt]

Thanks for the response. I'm definately opting on not stroking it myself. I don't have the tools and time to learn either. I do however have time to buy a shortblock and assembly everything else. I installed everything on my engine so I know I can do it again quicker and better. Yes connecting everything else is time consuming but I've done it a few times... all the electrical connectors, etc.

One concern I have is unbolting, and then rebolting the engine to the transmission. Or pulling them together? I don't know. How complicated is this?

And how much would a good cherry picker cost?

Thanks guys.

 

[jrichker]

With a 5 speed, it is easier to pull the trans attached to the engine. That way you don't have to rassle with getting the pilot bearing to line up with the trans input shaft while the engine is slung from the engine hoist.

Many auto parts stores or rental equipment places will rent you a cherry picker. If not buy one used or from Sams's club - they have a better price than you will find anywhere else.