what is the problem with serious power on the 302 block?

[quicksilver03]

a lot of the posts i've seen say that 500 hp on the stock block is kinda of the limit. i'd want to get into the 10s someday, so i'd prolly need 600 hp if not more. so if i bore out the block to a 306, get a stroker kit, 331 or 347, and some power adder will i be flirting with danger. I've read in magazines and books that cars have gotten into the 10s and maintained street drivability on the 302 block. is my idea of doing it on the 302 block just not ideal? i rather not get the 351 unless i really had to. i just thought it'd be cool to get that much power from the 302 block.

thanks for the input

 

[TIMMY2734]

Some people can get away with running tons of power through the stock block. But they are far from being 100% reliable. If what your after is a bullet proof motor, start with a nice dart block or an r-block. Youll be good for over 1000hp with either of these blocks.

 

[bgjohnson]

well I've seem stock blocks split in half and rip the main bearing retainers right out of the block, and then some blocks last for a long time and don't have a problem, somthing that would help you on your way to structual rigidity is a main stud girdle to help keep the block in one piece. but some of these other guys that have more experiance with that kind of power will be able to give you more info.

 

[thegabrielles]

You will definitely want to step up to a better block if you want that kind of power and be reliable too. Nothing wrong with switching to a 351 but again big power and reliable means a good block. I am running a little over 500 out of my 351 and it is holing up fine as best as I can tell. But then again who knows what is happening inside. Its cheaper to do it right the first time than to have to redo something later.

 

[quicksilver03]

just curious, if i were to get a dart 302 block, what are the differences and similarities between the stock 302. i mean, it's obviously going to be stronger, but can i reuse the cams, pistons, cylinder heads etc that comes on the stock 302 block, and then upgrade as i get the money? will some things have to be changed immediately? i know i'll need new bolts immediately if i do such a swap. want to know what type of options i'll have. i'm not saying this is the best way to go, just wanted to know if it's possible.

 

[Cammed90Notch]

Dart blocks are about $2100 and are about the best you can get, well, the best I guess you'd say. You either have to machine the lifter valley to accomodate the lifter spyder or use link bar lifters (that's what I'd do). You can use the same pistons, cam, etc. The lifter bores sometimes need to be machined or cleaned up, but I'm not sure.

The R302 block is nice as well, but the machining on it is about double that of a Dart block, so I'd get a Dart block

They can take about 2000hp if prepped and built properly (the Darts that is)