Block ? help needed

[94svtcobra]

I have been wanting to do a new engine setup in my car for a while. been tossing around different configurations, and I found a guy that has a couple older blocks for sale. My engine right now has 120,XXX miles on it. I'm thinking of doing a 347 with spray setup, with goals of 350-400 hp. My question is would it be better to use my existing block, or use a early 70's block, or a 72 cleveland block?

[2001GTTT]

dont use any block

[94svtcobra]

good idea

[Rio94gt]

If your set on doing a 302 based stroker and do not want to go the aftermarket route then you want to look for a mexican block. Talk to GMKILLR. Thats what his stroker motor is based off.

I dont know what the early model 302 blocks are capable of and no clue if there is a such thing as a 302 cleveland block. My 408W is being built from a 72' 351W block which are rumored to be stronger than the later model blocks.

But if your sticking to around 400 hp a stocker would prob hold it for a good while.

[scott5]

Are you going to replace all the internals? Also the block dependability is going to go off how much power you put through it. I forget how much a stock block can hold but i dont think its too much. And if you want that 350 to 400 at the wheels that is pushing the stock block IMO. I heard the boss block and the dart block are very good blocks.. I even think ED(vipered) bought a boss block

[94svtcobra]

I planned on doing forged internals, I'm not in a huge rush to do this, but I figured if I could pick up a decent block cheap I would

[Killercanary]

With a 350-400hp goal do not waste your money on anything but the stock block. If you use an early block you will have to buy special retrofit lifters which cost a fortune, the stocker is fine for your application. Also, if this is an NA application forged internals really are not needed. The block is the weak link so I don't see a big need for fortifying it with forged internals. I have a dart sportsman block in my car but that's because of the T76 turbo setup I have sitting on the shelf. :)

[349Stroker]

350-400 hp doesn't need nitrous on it anyways. A 347 is full capable of that N/A and a stock block is fine

[94Cobra]

The forged crank is much heavier than a cast crank and will rob some horsepower. You don't need a forged crank to achieve 400rwhp - just a well-built NA 347 with a cast crank. My combo made 366rwhp but the tune is for my previous build and is not ideal for my new cam, intake and long tubes.

[biminiLX]

If you're starting from scratch just do a 351 based set-up, that way you get great street torque and the stock block is good to 700hp.
Look here:
http://www.steelcitystangs.com/forum...ad.php?t=10121
Do the math on what you'll spend and this is a good deal from my engine builder.
He knows what he's doing, my motor just supported 1000hp and it isn't even the exotic stuff he does.
Good luck.
-J