2-bolt strengthening

[302stang.93]

I have a 89' 302 block with 2-Bolt main caps and I was wondeing what could be some way that I could strengthen the block. I thought about making it a 4-Bolt but I dont know if thats posible with this block or putting on a main gridle or vally gridle. Please someone give me some suggetions.

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Welcome to :SNSign:

Unfortunately, the main caps aren't the weak point on the roller blocks, but rather the block itself is the weak point. You can build a pretty stout combo with a roller block, but if you're going to be pushing 450-500 horsepower, it's time to step up to an aftermarket block.

 

[302stang.93]

So basically the block I have is crap, not much I can do? how much power do you think i can get out of it.

 

[ttop88]

Welcome to :SNSign:

You can build a pretty stout combo with a roller block, but if you're going to be pushing 450-500 horsepower, it's time to step up to an aftermarket block.

Here is your answer I have seen 527hp and 495 trq stay together for 50 or so passes down the track but I wouldnt suggest it.

 

[302stang.93]

is there any thing that could give me any more strength?

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

I wouldn't call it crap necessarily, but it was more of a do everything block. It was put in everything from F150's, to Lincolns, to Mustangs. Obviously, the Mustangs were a performance vehicle, but I don't believe they intended to double the power output, so they sacrificed strength for reliability and probably cost effectiveness when casting them.

 

[302stang.93]

I not planing on draging right now I just want to be able to get posibly 350+HP
if thats posible.

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

That's definitely within the safe range. No worries at all at that power level.

 

[302stang.93]

But could I put on any type of power adders with this type of block.

 

[Sicarius428]

Ya no problem. The stock HO block is generally accepted to go to 450HP without problems. The HO block tends to split from the valley down so putting anything on the main caps won't do much other than potentially keeping the caps from walking. 350 shouldn't be an issue.
Kevin

 

[bentley429]

350 is fine, sometimes they split at 400 hp or times they hold together at 600 hp for years. Plenty of people in the 9's on a stock block but not the smartest idea.

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

Yeah like said above it all depends I broke one in stock form when I was younger from just years of over revving the engine and just plain abuse. Then there are people who make 400-600 horse with em without a problem. If you plan on a 400 horse build get you self a stud kit and girdle for the bottom end. A valley girdle will do wonders for the little guy too!

 

[fford]

I am having dowel pins put in the main caps to help with stability.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

So much of keeping 500hp together is in the tune. My buddy ran 525hp on an Explorer block for a whole season of racing 10 second ET's, and when the motor let loose it was one of the rods, not the block. He didn't use a stud girdle or anything, just a junkyard Explorer block with a cam and intake and a DIY turbo setup.

 

[bryce93lx]

Don't get sucked in by any of the bs out there, companys like dss and a few others sell "level ten cnc blocks for way more than they are worth and they are no stronger than a junkyard block, becuase that is all they are, junkyard blocks with a useless cnc program. The upside to all this is when the block splits you get a sweet flower planter.

 

[Foxfan88]

factory 302 blocks are pretty wimpy, i am suprised they hold up as good as they do.

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

doweling and pinning of the caps is a good thing to do to a block that is gonna see extreme duty!

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Don't get sucked in by any of the bs out there, companys like dss and a few others sell "level ten cnc blocks for way more than they are worth and they are no stronger than a junkyard block, becuase that is all they are, junkyard blocks with a useless cnc program. The upside to all this is when the block splits you get a sweet flower planter.

Well as far as stock block vs. stock block goes, i'd take one of theirs over one that doesn't have the work that they do on it, but yeah it's not like it's going to withstand 100 more hp just because of what they do. For the money i'd rather look for a Mexican block.

 

[PUNISHER RACING]

Mexican blocks and 289 hipo blocks are a good way to get another 100 horse safely in a little 302 block

 

[fford]

I second the good tuning as well. You can split the best block in the world with a bad tune.