Ford Racing 342 Stroker

[letitbe]

If anyone is running this engine, how do you like it, any problems, comments etc?

[Excaliber]

A new BDR in town is running a 342. His first time at the 1/4 mile last night (with any car). Spun like crazy trying to get off the line and figure out how to hook up, ran a pretty slow ET as a result.

But heres the kicker, his trap speed was 113 mph. What that tells me is the motor is still making awesome power at the end of the strip. Something you would expect of a Big Block, not a "tiny" block. If this guy figures out how to launch, I'm in trouble, and I'm running in the 11's.

[tfarhood]

letitbe,
I have the Ford Racing 342 Stroker in my BDR. So far I love it. I bought the short block, not the crate motor. I built a 302 that didn't work out, so I got the 342 short block and used all the parts from my 302 build to finish it. I went with the Edelbrock Performer RPM build. Edelbrock Heads (2.02 intake valves), Intake manifold, 600 cfm carb, cam, & water pump. I used a Mallory Distributor and a Pertronix coil. No computers or ignition box, no rev limiter. Just as basic as it gets, sorta 1965 style. I have the 3.45 rear end with a T-5 HD tranny. I took it to a chasis dyno and pulled 332 RWHP and 342 RWTQ. Not too shabby for a small stroker. It sounds really good, and moves quite well. I have not done a quarter mile with it, but I don't have any trouble going from 60mph to 110+ mph in no time at all. I have 15" wheels, so I don't expect it to hook-up real well at a drag anyway.
I have 5500 miles on the car (4200 miles with the 342), and absolutely no problems or complaints about the engine. I do wish that Ford Racing offered a 327 stroker though, because 342/347 is maxed out on stroke. For general street use it is great, if you do a lot of racing, I would think the 342 might wear a little sooner than other engines.
Hope this helps.