5.0 Engine Block thoughts
 

I was looking for a used block to start building but then I thought why not ask others who have been there.
I plan on staying under 400 horsepower with this motor and doubt if I will ever spray Nitrous into it and theres no supercharger in the works either. I will be going with either a 331 or 347 stroker kit and wanted to know what thoughts everyone had on a block to start out with?

1. Find a stock block to rebuild? Does it have to be a roller Mustang block?
2. Buy a new Ford block for like 300 bux? Seems like a good deal?

Someone at the Colombus swap said to beware of 5spd. blocks because of crank end play?

I got what you looking for. Block is off from 1988 Lincoln LSC (same as Mustang and they are roller block). e-mail me for more information. poonracing@yahoo.com

Sam. ( Canton, Ohio )

I would get a good used HO block and throw a 347 stroker kit in there. There is no reason to stay with a 331 if you are not going to spray, or blow it.
If you are going to stay around 400hp there is no need for a expensive forged kit either. You can get a basic stroker kit with I-beam rods, cast crank, and even hypertuctic pistons if you want. Throw in a set of main studs, and a girdle, and it will last a long happy life.

Don't worry about 5-speed blocks having to much end play. If it is true the block has nothing to do with it. The thrust bearing is what determins crankshaft endplay and you will be geting a new one anyway.

check out the chp, coast high performance kit (347) if its a daily driver i think this would be the 347 to go with, it has an offset piston pin, for reduced rod angle. and the 5.3 rod so the oil ring doesnt intersect with the pin bore. (havent heard of any problems with the oil ring in the pin bore, so you might get away with the 5.4 rod)

Thanks for the info guys!
About this oiling problem I have heard mentioned from some manufacturers where the pin intersects the oil ring groove, Is this a myth ? It makes sense to me that you wouldnt want that pin thru the groove if at all possible.

I decided to go to the 351w block for the added strength, and added cubes. If you want to stay with the 302, 300 bucks is not bad for a new block.

A good used block is better in my opinion because it has been though heat cycles that some say make the block stronger. That, and when you're on somewhat of a budget, your 330 could be better spent. Just my opinion. ~Brian

Myth