movin on Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 Hi I am 90% sure that I am going to swap my g54b out for a ford 302. I am currently looking at using a refreshed 89 HO motor with a c4 automatic transmission. The set-up will be carbureted for the time being to keep it simple. This info is just what I have picked up from reading, so please correct or add info. Swap parts Front sump panmotor mounts (weld plate to k-member)transmission mounts or modification to stock set-up. (Move stock back)Shortened mustang driveshaft.c4 transmission with flex plate and TQ. My goal is to stay NA, and eventually make plenty of HP with some very nice heads and bolt-ons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSiTSi Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 If you plan to make lots of power I'd consider swapping in a aftermarket block like a 302R or Dart. The stock short blocks are well known for splitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movin on Posted June 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 I will look into that more. I know the 70s blocks from Mexico have a bad reputation for cracking. I was looking at an 89 roller with stock TRW forged pistons and rods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSiTSi Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 If the engine has forged rods and pistons maybe the block was upgraded. I'd def make sure though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cryquest Posted June 7, 2015 Report Share Posted June 7, 2015 From my understanding some of the mexican blocks had thicker main caps and webbing but I've only seen it in pictures. Engines from fox bodies had forged pistons from factory up until 92. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movin on Posted June 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 8, 2015 I believe the forged started in 87, and some of them were rollers. The HO motors had better caps too. Stock CR is 9:1 and I believe the motor is rated at 230 hp 300 tq, and that is with no bolt-ons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clow340 Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 (edited) The mexican blocks i know to have thicker main webbing, caps and lifter valley. Supposedly they have thicker bores too, but that hasent been proven really. There good too 500hp+, but thats mostly here-say... On boost a standard roller block can take a little over 400hp before splitting or breaking a crank (Just google crank failure 302, its epic). If your spinning a stock roller lower end past 7k it becomes a time bomb around 400hp too. yes theres proof of higher hp, 400 is pretty safe na or boost. I saw a guy with a 347 stroker with over 550 at the wheels so who knows what some blocks can take. but nothing beats an aftermarket block and crank. Edited June 15, 2015 by clow340 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movin on Posted June 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 Yeah, I have been reading, and the 302 stuff breaking is crazy. Most of the people are saying to buy a dart block, but they aren't cheap. I plan on staying NA with no NOS. I have found a few motors with a standard size bore, and hope to leave that alone within the roller. I am hoping to get the car to my friends shop in the next two weeks, so hopefully I will get started soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chromedome Posted June 15, 2015 Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 If you plan on making some serious horsepower later, ditch the 302 and go with a 351. Much stronger. Check out this guy's build. http://www.theturboforums.com/threads/358359-1980-Notch-351-S480-8-11-13-9-73-140 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movin on Posted June 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 15, 2015 I just might have too, if the setup I was looking at was gping to be near 380hp. Would a 351 or a chevy 350 be a cetter choice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chromedome Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 (edited) 351 IMO would be a better choice just because of the oil pan situation. It's expensive to convert a chevy to front sump. Both can handle a lot of hp. Edited June 16, 2015 by Chromedome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clow340 Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 You would need to get a smaller brake booster for the 351, or dent the side in. MAYBE it would clear the valve cover if you installed after the engine was in. Honestly thats about it for clearence.. the 302 in mine seems ok, and a 351 is just taller, it should fit others have done it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screemin eagle Posted June 16, 2015 Report Share Posted June 16, 2015 The Mexican xxx blocks also supposedly have a higher nickel content that make them stronger. A standard block 302 will hold 500 ish if you don't spin high rpms. They also seem to make and hold more power when boosted with a good tune. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSiTSi Posted June 17, 2015 Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 I had mine dynoed at 370whp and 452ft/lbs of torque and it's turbocharged. I'm hoping it holds together but I plan to start saving my pennies for a Dart block. Honestly I'm not sure how a 351 would fit. My 302 is bumping right up against the hood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movin on Posted June 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2015 Yes, if don't think I will be anywhere close to you for power, if ever. My first goal, is just to have it running with maybe even stock heads, so I can drive the car. I think a stock 302 block will be plenty for me. I will most get a set of ported gt40 heads. I have a motor that I may be picking up in the next couple of weeks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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