How much horsepower would require a main support?

[Donstang86]

I want to buld a mild street 302 for my 86 GT. Mild cam, nice heads, roller rockers, GT40 tubular intake. A little wild but nothin crazy. Engine is to be a STREETABLE CRUISER, 300-325 hp. What type of horsepower would you all think a main support would be needed?

[PaxtonShelby]

Hi Don - I don't think you need a girdle at that horsepower level. Many will argue that the only thing a girdle does is hold the pieces together when a motor lets go.

[Martin0660]

Don - you know I'm miles away from knowing anything V8 related. That said ... Be honest with yourself on where a build will go. Is what you described going to keep you happy forever? Is your nature to evolve something over time (more power)?? That's likely where the answer lies. Not needed at the goals you describe, but I sure have learned to build a solid foundation to start because I keep changing stuff, lol.

Talk about out scope creep, but I would question building a good 302 and not going 331/347 haha.

[juice_man_86]

Keep an eye out for a Mexican block....go from there

Sent from my Moto G

[went9s]

Hi Don - I don't think you need a girdle at that horsepower level. Many will argue that the only thing a girdle does is hold the pieces together when a motor lets go.

I agree. I wouldn't waste the money.

[SK@StreetLethal]

I want to buld a mild street 302 for my 86 GT. Mild cam, nice heads, roller rockers, GT40 tubular intake. A little wild but nothin crazy. Engine is to be a STREETABLE CRUISER, 300-325 hp. What type of horsepower would you all think a main support would be needed?
Don't worry about the main support. Honestly I have not seen them do any good. Same with a Mexican block. At the power level your wanting not necessary. I would have the assembly balanced and a proper tune done and it will live a long happy life.

[torqueboxer]

The main support will do a good job of holding the broken pieces together