engine..waddya think

simonjrwinter · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 02:31 PM

Hi guys, I've been offered this engine

"302 block, torque plate honed, oil ways smoothed for better oil return, Boss 302 rods and crank with flared oil ways, TRW oil pump, fms oil pump drive, Blue Thunder bottom end stud girdle, ARP mains studs, TRW +30 pop up 12:1 pistons, Speed Pro rings, Pete Jackson timing gear drive, Crane roller cam, Ford Motorsport billet hamonic balancer, Ford timing cover, Edelbrock ally water pump (reverse rotation for late 5.0) MSD Pro Billet distributor, World Products Ally Heads - ported by Bill Mitchell Himself!!, roller rockers 1.6, ARP Head studs, ARP bolts throughout, needs minor finishing to get approx. 500hp!!! "

The block is all together but the heads are not on and are missing valves, springs, pushrods, and the lifters etc.(garage theft)
I'm in the UK and have been offered it for about $2,500. Its never been run, all the bits are new. Would it make a good street engine? sorry, I don't have the cam specs.
Simon

Tom Wells · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 02:42 PM

Hi Simon,

I don't know a lot about the small block so take this with a small amount of sodium chloride

12:1 sounds a bit too high for comfortable street use.

Also, you didn't say which cam you have - hydraulic roller or solid? Specs?

Not too sure of the answers but these questions may help you get your info

Regards,

Tom

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 02:43 PM

Hey Simon,

Except for the 12:1 pistons and the harmonic balancer it sounds like my old engine (I know it is not). I sold mine for $2000.00 with a Edelbrock 4v manifold and 650 carb (4000 miles). It should pound the ground for you. Also, I had 1.7 :1 roller rocker arms with an Blue Thunder E cam. Price seems right.

Clois

pderouss · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 02:45 PM

Simon.

I'll leave the advice on if the engine is suitable to the experts but 500hp sounds good to me. Remember if you need the crane to haul it in it's available any time.

Harris · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 03:13 PM

Simon,
You probably could not assemble all these parts for that kind of money, so in that respect it is probably a good buy. However, the 12-1 compression ratio is high for normal street use. You could easily trade/swap/sell the pop-ups and go with something more streetable (with today's junk gasoline)
Good luck
Harris

4RE KLR · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 03:28 PM

It is gonna be a thirsty monster! It will require high octaine fuel! The heads will have to breath or flow well. But it would be a good engine to have.

Mr.Fixit · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 04:11 PM

Lose the Pete Jackson, get a good timing chain

simonjrwinter · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2003, 10:47 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I think I've decided to just buy the heads (he will sell them by themselves) as I think also that the 12:1 compression ratio may be a bit high for the street. I've got a 331 stroker crank on its way, so maybe I'll build a stroker with the heads (they have been ported and look like they'll flow REALLY well!)
Thanks again.

Simon

Bob Putnam · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-2003, 04:55 AM

500 bhp (alleged) from a 302? I hope you like to keep the revs above 4000 rpm - because it's not likely that it's going to run very well below that. Stroking it will help some, but I would use a different cam and aim for a maximum of 450 bhp from the 331. Those heads that flow "really well" may be the biggest (pun intended) problem. Low intake velocity...

But I'm practical.