Trust StOcK block or NOT

[Fox_84]

I am about to start my engine build and just not sure what block to go with. I dont want to spend the money for a dart. I am looking to build an engine at around 400-425 horses. It will be street driven and not often raced, but ran hard. I plan to put a TKO 500- or 600 (opinions). Want to stay with a 302 base so that I dont have to spend a lot of money on converting. I am looking for anyone's ideas on how to achieve these numbers and what block and parts should I look for to put into this build? I would also like for the engine to hold up under a 125-150 shot of nitrous every now and again, but not often. With this said, what are your ideas?

 

[90_Red_LX]

If 400-425 at the wheels is your goal, that'll be pushing it. At the motor it will be fine. As far as the gas, it will split with the gas eventually, but the question is when. It may go forever, and it may go on the first squeeze. If you put a lot of money in the motor, I may suggest a girdle for the bottom end. Not for strength, but to keep it from wiping out your bottom end.

 

[blackened88lx]

400-425 spraying? or 400-425 n/a, plus spray?

 

[Fox_84]

See I was hoping 400-425na plus spray. I know that will be pushing the stock block. What block do you recommend that is more affordable than a dart. What block could I get by with?

 

[stangjunkie]

good H/C/I will get you 300-350 easy then some giggle gas....

for 400+ all motor you will need to build a 347 stroker with some sweet heads like rhs or big AFR's maybe trick flow r series, wide open intake box R or other....., then a custom cam.... even then maybe not

best bet would be a 351 stroker..... like a 408w or something....

 

[Flavadave4]

I was thinking start with a 351w......stroker with big heads might do the trick, A little stronger too

 

[Fox_84]

Well, I would like to stick with the 302 because of cost to convert. What is the best H/C/I setup I could do? I also plan to rebuild, bore, balance, port, polish, etc. to squeeze all I can. Any other advice to get all I can out of the stock 302?



Also if I do a stroker for a street car, I have heard that a 347 is pushing it. Is this true, is there a stroker kit that will last or should I go 331? I am also not totally against ditching the idea of nitrous. I am just looking for what direction I should go and what are the best parts I can start with to head in the right direction.

 

[blue87lx]

irun a 347 on the street with no problems except traction haha but yea i have no problems with mine and run mid 12 all day at the track. its a chp 347 street fighter longblock

 

[onefstsnake]

try to find a decent Sportsman block.

I might be picking one up for $300 fully machined.

 

[blackened88lx]

It's nearly impossible to make 400+rwhp in a 302 without going extreme. I'm guessing you still want to be able to drive the car comfortably on the street. You could go with a massive cam, big heads, and a box intake like stated above, but it won't be a good street package, and the car will want to rev, and that's what will break these blocks. I would definitely suggest a 331 or 347 stroker, and a good streetable h/c/i package, I'm guessing this will get you in the mid to upper 300s, then you can spray it if you're brave enough. A 100 shot will probably put you well into block breakage territory. You could buy a Sportsman block like stated above, but it would be hard to find one as cheap as he did with machining and everything done, and it's not that much stronger, so it probably wouldn't be worth your time and money.