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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Strengthen the Stock SB to handle 500whp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter KBCobra95
  • Start date Start date Mar 17, 2006

KBCobra95

New Member
Aug 28, 2005
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North Carolina
Mar 17, 2006
#1
  • Mar 17, 2006
  • #1
I'm pushing 465 rwhp right now and was wondering what I could do to give my stock shortblock some strength. Are swapping to ARP Rod bolts a good idea? How about a main girdle. Valley girdle? How hard would it be to swap out the rod bolts? I hardly ever drive the car, but even when I drive it I hardly ever take it past 5500 rpms. The only time it goes higher is when it is on the dyno (6200).Thanks!
 

69clark

Founding Member
Sep 25, 2002
731
7
18
Ravena, NY
Mar 17, 2006
#2
  • Mar 17, 2006
  • #2
Well I am using all ARP fastners throughout the engine and I bought a DSS main girdle. I am not using a valley girdle but I don't think it will hurt, just not sure if the cost offsets its purpose. I haven't really looked in to them. Not to sure of anything else you could do, but I think what you mentioned should help.
 

95cobraguy

Member
Dec 23, 2005
637
11
19
Concord, NC by way of LI, NY
Mar 18, 2006
#3
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #3
if u really wanted to change the rod bolts u could if u dropped the oil pan. u could change them one at a time.
 

Killercanary

The car that set the bar.
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,676
1
76
Altoona, PA
Mar 18, 2006
#4
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #4
General concensus is that valley girdles are a complete waste of money. Your lower intake serves a very similar role.

Honestly, there is very little that can be done to the stock roller block to strengthen it. Power and RPM are what kill them, but its more RPM than actualy power that does them in. Keep the revs where you are and if the tune it right it should last a long time based on how you said you drive it. I've seen nothing concrete that main girdles help a whole lot. Having said that, I would still run one if I was using a stock block in a high HP and/or high rpm application. I do think they help with crank walk to a point.
 

4Jenna

Founding Member
Sep 12, 2001
4,326
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69
AZ
Mar 18, 2006
#5
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #5
The block is a lost cause (u are at the "safe" limit)..its your stock internals that could be upgraded..I'd worry about your rods more at this point than your block and yes the arp hardware will help. Some say the girdle helps..some say it doesnt I run one.
Killer hit it on the nose...keep the rpms down and enjoy it.
 

KBCobra95

New Member
Aug 28, 2005
356
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0
North Carolina
Mar 18, 2006
#6
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #6
Thanks guys!. Eades, you relived a great deal of worry from me. Thanks again!
 

4Jenna

Founding Member
Sep 12, 2001
4,326
6
69
AZ
Mar 18, 2006
#7
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #7
Dont feel bad I'm over 600rw on a stocker (block)...GULP!
 

Yobi1Kanobi

Member
Apr 9, 2003
559
0
16
Mar 18, 2006
#8
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #8
your nuts

Moderate boost on a t-trim huh eades.
 

4Jenna

Founding Member
Sep 12, 2001
4,326
6
69
AZ
Mar 18, 2006
#9
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #9
haha yeah...sucks I have to leave hp on the table
 

95cobraguy

Member
Dec 23, 2005
637
11
19
Concord, NC by way of LI, NY
Mar 18, 2006
#10
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #10
eades5.0 said:
Dont feel bad I'm over 600rw on a stocker (block)...GULP!
Click to expand...
how longs that been goin on? and more importantly, how long do u expect that to last?
 

4Jenna

Founding Member
Sep 12, 2001
4,326
6
69
AZ
Mar 18, 2006
#11
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #11
I made 457 for 2.5 years, then 544 for 2 or so years, 580 for 6-7mo and latest dyno was 643rw all the same block just progressing with my hp hunger...I did wuss out and detune quite abit outta the car last week though.
It will last as long as it wants I suppose...thats way it goes once u get 450 and up..anything can break.
 

KBCobra95

New Member
Aug 28, 2005
356
0
0
North Carolina
Mar 18, 2006
#12
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #12
eades5.0 said:
Dont feel bad I'm over 600rw on a stocker (block)...GULP!
Click to expand...
What is your combo!! I feel the same way you do about leaving HP on the table...I'm only at 7lbs boost
 

4Jenna

Founding Member
Sep 12, 2001
4,326
6
69
AZ
Mar 18, 2006
#13
  • Mar 18, 2006
  • #13
331 (8.5 cr)
TFS Heads worked
Holley Int worked
Cam Motion Cam
1 3/4 LTs
TKO600
60lb injs (full fuel sys)
T-trim
 
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