347 Dart (yes/no and S-trim or not...?)
 

Looking into new opportunity on 347 Dart block stroker...

Currently have an 8# S-trim TFS TW Stage-II heads / Stage-I cam, TFS intake all on a STOCK 35K mile motor (with girdle). Concerned about longevity of stock block making 400+rwhp in current tune. Been doing fine so far...

Have opportunity to purchase a 347 Dart block with 4340 crank, 4340 I-beam 5.400", and pistons (yet TBD), at a really great price.

QUESTIONS:
:confused: Should I consider this block (like I need another hole in my head). Or just pass on something like this, stock lower end will run fine forever.

:confused: Is the 347 (versus 331) really that big of an issue for longevity? Ook for drag racing, but not for opentracking?

:confused: Run it N/A for opentracking? Select pistons to match.

:confused: Install my current S-trim and get blower pistons? Tune combo for S-trim (which I have been happy, and no issues with so far).

If you have the necessary $3000 or so for a Dart block with machining, plus the rotating assembly on top of that, it's a great idea. Not only will you never be able to kill it around 500 rwhp, you can expand quite a lot in the future. Around the 400 mark you're still talking safe territory on a stock block. I'd be inclined to keep your car blown and select pistons to match, if the S trim hasn't died yet you'll probably still get a lot more life out of it (invincible Vortechs ;) ). I decided to go 331 because I put a LOT of street miles on it, and IF there is any improvement in longetivity (nobody has really provided solid EVIDENCE...just speculation), then I'm better off. If anything, the reduced side loading on the pistons/rings is most definitely an advantage of a shorter stroke when you're considering wear and tear. With even a 331 I would consider a bigger cam and intake, I'm wishing I'd gone with the stage 2 cam at this point (although it's a torque monster which would be nice on a road course).

Well, I decided to pass on the motor.
Yeah, the price was right, but by the time I finish he motor, it would have been about $4500. Thtas just to get it where I am now...
Then to ADD hp, it would have been another $2K. Sure, 600rwhp would have been nice, but at this time, I am gonna stick with my solid combo, and cross my fingers for 2004 one more time. :)


Pretty isnt it... :)
http://www.dariusrudis.com/mustang/n...e/img_0936.jpg

Yeah those EFI smallblocks can be a real work of art :)

A stock block with a girdle wouldn't worry me at all at 400hp. There's always the freaks that'll hold forever at 600hp...but I think even 500hp would be barely within reason. Dart blocks look bulletproof but they cost some serious coin. Plus with only 8#s of boost you're running it pretty safe. A Dart setup would be great if you cranked the boost way up, but for that money I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. I'd have stuck with your current combo, too.