302 block Q?
- Thread starter stanGRR
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Just like most any other 302 block, it will handle about 500-550 RWHP before it splits, providing you have a good tune, good internals, and the block isn't damaged.
I would alter that to say 500-550 FWHP but that's mostly a matter of opinion and what one ends up "getting away with".
To answer the question though... Sure. You can make a strong motor out of that depending on what your version of strong is.
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FAST - CHEAP - RELIABLE
Pick two and base your build off of it. You can't have all three.
My next project is going to be an N/A monster. I've always wanted to do a high compression, carb motor with a healthy cam and huge induction. Maybe 12:1 comp. Total 180 from the blown apps I've been involved with.
To answer the question though... Sure. You can make a strong motor out of that depending on what your version of strong is.
---------------------------------------
FAST - CHEAP - RELIABLE
Pick two and base your build off of it. You can't have all three.
My next project is going to be an N/A monster. I've always wanted to do a high compression, carb motor with a healthy cam and huge induction. Maybe 12:1 comp. Total 180 from the blown apps I've been involved with.
faststang90
10 Year Member
a friend has a 347 from chp with trick flow heads, main cap support, a t76 turbo kit, it was tuned to alittle over 600 to the tires with low boost like 11 psi. they said that was the max they would push a stock block. they dont think it would stay together if it did more any more. it had all 4340 parts
I'm suprised it's holding up at all. Granted, forcing induction with a turbo is CONSIDERABLY more gentle than what can be done with a SC but 600 is still 600. hehe. I'd be afraid to stomp on the long pedal.
The last split block I got to see first hand was only making 400 to the wheels from a centrifical charged app. (actual dyno number was somewhere around 380/390 but you get the point) The nice part was that there was a main girdle installed that held the whole thing together when he let the smoke out of it. the dude had enough sense to shut it down after the billow of smoke, oil, and coolant shot out the back and he managed to save almost all of his rotating assy. (he had to replace some minor parts here and there along with new bearings etc.)
My point though, is that to be safe... I'd stay in the 450 fly wheel HP range. Above that, I think you're rolling the dice. And oh... DSS level (insert your favorite marketing gimick here) is NOT going to make your stock block a super hero.
The last split block I got to see first hand was only making 400 to the wheels from a centrifical charged app. (actual dyno number was somewhere around 380/390 but you get the point) The nice part was that there was a main girdle installed that held the whole thing together when he let the smoke out of it. the dude had enough sense to shut it down after the billow of smoke, oil, and coolant shot out the back and he managed to save almost all of his rotating assy. (he had to replace some minor parts here and there along with new bearings etc.)
My point though, is that to be safe... I'd stay in the 450 fly wheel HP range. Above that, I think you're rolling the dice. And oh... DSS level (insert your favorite marketing gimick here) is NOT going to make your stock block a super hero.
Man, I'd be really disappointed if my block came apart at less than 400rwhp. It seems like something had to go wrong for that to happen. Bad tune? Too high RPMs? Bad balance job? Maybe the block was already cracked or was a bad casting...?
Anyway, I have heard horror stories of these blocks coming apart at "low" power numbers. It definitely does happen. It seems like though, for every block to come apart at 380 rwhp, there are 10 guys making 475-525 rwhp without issue.
Anyway, I have heard horror stories of these blocks coming apart at "low" power numbers. It definitely does happen. It seems like though, for every block to come apart at 380 rwhp, there are 10 guys making 475-525 rwhp without issue.
skunk21
Active Member
I agree with both DontGivaRatz & NikwoaC. It's been proven with pics and tons of threads about the threshhold of a stock block. staying in the 500 crank hp range is the " safe zone" . I don't care what brace is used it isn't going to make it stronger just hold the pieces together longer. There are plenty of " on borrowed time " motors out there, and the owners went with the gamble. Me if I'm going invest money into building a motor that can make big power I'm starting with a good foundation..Dart or a world block or even 351 depending what the build is, not that a well built 500fwhp motor is anything to sneeze at either. decide what you are needs are. track only, street/ track, street/ some track and go from there so you don't over build and spend alot of cash for nothing.
True, a stock block 5.0 can push a Fox into the 10s without too much worry, and there are guys pushing stock 351-powered cars deep into the 9s. So the question is, do you want a dyno queen and bragging rights, or do you want to do your talking at the track?
Man, I'd be really disappointed if my block came apart at less than 400rwhp. It seems like something had to go wrong for that to happen. Bad tune? Too high RPMs? Bad balance job? Maybe the block was already cracked or was a bad casting...?
Anyway, I have heard horror stories of these blocks coming apart at "low" power numbers. It definitely does happen. It seems like though, for every block to come apart at 380 rwhp, there are 10 guys making 475-525 rwhp without issue.
Yeah... take your pick. We came up with several theories as to why this particualr block came apart but there was nothing that we could find that just highlighted the cause to say, "THIS IS IT".
We pretty much ruled out the tune as the thing split down the lifter valley like so many of the horror stories mention. It had to have more to do with the block twisting as anything else.
My WAG? (Wild Ass Guess) There was something wrong with the block integrity prior to the build.
The other option was that perhaps something in the rotating assy wasn't right.
Just guesses.
Was it an early block? I've heard that even though the early blocks had heavier castings, you were more likely to get one with some sort of a defect.
IIRC, the block was an 86 block. I remember at one point, having a conversation about whether or not it wa a mexican block (extra boss on the front) but do not recall whether we confirmed that or not.
I do remember that all involved were pretty relieved that the internals would live to see another day. lol
He managed to get another block for a song, had the internals rebalanced, replaced all bearings and seals, and purchased a new balancer and flywheel for the new build.
At last check he was making another 40 or so HP over the broken build and hasn't reported a problem since.
skunk21
Active Member
A good set of heads like TW, AFR's, Brodix, etc. intake like systemax, performer,etc and a good cam like a TFS1, Anderson or custom, supporting mods and some kind of boost should break into the 10's if you are looking for low 10's then plan on about 550ish rwhp and better block( fwhp will be over 600hp) either way you are close to the edge IMHO. also add in a good suspension took it up.
if you are looking for low 10's then plan on about 550ish rwhp and better block( fwhp will be over 600hp) either way you are close to the edge IMHO. also add in a good suspension took it up.[/QUOTE]
like what kind of block is better for get low 10's?
like what kind of block is better for get low 10's?
If money is no object, get a Dart Sportsman:
Ford Engine Block, Dart Sportsman, Sbf, 4.00 Bore, 8.2 Deck, 302 Mains, 2 Piece Rear Seal at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
Ford Engine Block, Dart Sportsman, Sbf, 4.00 Bore, 8.2 Deck, 302 Mains, 2 Piece Rear Seal at LRS - Same Day Shipping!
skunk21
Active Member
like what kind of block is better for get low 10's?[/QUOTE]
Dart Like DontGivaRatz stated or the World mano o'war block..
World Products - MAN O'WAR 8.200" Deck Iron Block
also the Ford racing Boss block from doing research is putting down some real #'s and has a better price point.average #'s have been in the 650rwhp range stroked. do some research on piston and pin heights if you stroke this block since they do run a shorter cylinders from what I have read.
The dart or world are top notch blocks though just pricey.
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