Opinions for new engine (to be supercharged)
 

Hello,

I am looking to replace my worn, tired, decrepit engine with something updated and much stronger.

I want to keep the 5.0 base (if that is the smartest thing to do).

Basically, I need something that will be reliable with 8-12 pounds of boost and other mods. I would like to keep the price between 2,000-3,000 dollars (if possible...I am willing to pay more for quality).

I also wanted to build the engine from shortblock up. Soo, I also need to know which cam, heads, etc work well with forced induction. I am pretty ignorant with the big picture as far as engines go, so if there is anything else of note I should be aware of, feel free to chime in!

This is coming up because my current engine is about to blow up :), and I want to replace it with something I won't end up modding later. I also want it to be custom to fit my needs. Any comments/pointers/etc are welcome and appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks,
DoranW

Shortblock: www.dssracing.com
Heads: AFR's
Intake: Edelbrock
Cam: Custom from these guys www.flowtechinduction.com
He can also tell you what you need.

Any other shortblock manufacturers?

I actually wanted to spend 2-3k for heads and shortbock combined.

Thanks,
DoranW

if 2-3k is your budget and you want to get new parts, seriously forget about it. I spent almost 4k just for a H/C/I, and all the supporting stuff. I say with that 3K dump it into a good shortblock, and save for the future. I'd say you could possibly do it with 4-5k. Or try to get as much used parts as possible from people you trust. hop on the classified section in the corral, but maybe this would aslo help. This is what I did:
Short block rebuilt to a 306 cost me $900
I got my rebuild kit from Central coast for around $500, and the machine shop charged me $400 to do all the work, they turned my crank, resurfaced my rods, bored, cleaned, honed, and decked my block and assembled it for me. since you plan on going blown you should get a main support system which will be another $200. That leaves you roughly $1900 left. the things you are going to need:
Intake(you could get a used one for $200) TFS Street New $375
Heads: TFS Twisted wedge heads $999 used prob $600
Lifters: $119 should get new
Roller Rockers Stud Mount $189 used $100
Push rods: $80 new as well
Cam: TFS stage 1 $130 used $80
TB and EGR: MAC $189 used $100
Air meter: 75mm Pro M $189 used $100
Gasket set $135
Better fuel delivery $99(190-255lph in tank) used $40

Keeping it in this range AND having a 'quality' motor built will not work. Unless you have a loose definition of quality.

If the bottom end is sound, use your 2-3K for H/C/I combo and you'll see lots more power and it will be very reliable and fun.

E

I can't find a solid shortblock for about 1200-1700?

My 2-3k is ONLY for the heads and shortblock...I know my cam, intake manifold, etc will be more.

Thanks,
DoranW

By the way, my target HP goal is 425-500 with a 'daily driver' reliability.

Thanks,
DoranW

DSS' Pro bullet is $1999. it can handle what you are looking to do. For the heads get TFS Twisted wedge heads.

The 331 I just got came to 2500$ with the main support system,windage tray and shipping. Its also a low comp if you decide to add more boost.

That goal is about imposible if you are including the short block as part of the cost.

I don't plan on everything being 2-3k.

JUST want the shortblock and heads to be about 2-3k (looking like a lot more like ~3.5). (Cams, roller rockers, etc = extra).

Couldn't I get to 425-500 fwhp safely with that shortblock and some AFR heads/blower/cam/etc. pretty easily? (Along with the other stuff I have).

Thanks,
DoranW

Get the DSS Pro bullet 306 short block, it runs for $1999 it can handle the HP you are wanting all the way up to 600hp. Then get some good flowing heads, maybe you can find a set of used AFR 185's, or TEA 185's on the corral. If not the cheapest AFR 185's I've seen are $1285(you might want to get the upgraded version depending on the cam you decide to go with) Trhat doesn't leave you with much money, maybe just enough to get a cam, RR, or lifters.

Take your block have it machined to 30 over and you can buy a stroker kit fairly cheap. Then use a main girdle. get your stock heads ported and reworked and there you go, your 3000 dollar reliable go-fast budget motor.

this is what I did:) But I just went with a 306.

8-12 pounds of boost????
 

you are asking for a lot to handle 8-12 pounds of boost, I agree with some of the other members here about getting quality parts. for 425-500hp I would start with a steel crank, and good rods. You can make 425-500hp boosted with a 306 and it will be daily driver.

You might be able to get away with a cast steel crank, and good bottom end, I would give Coast High Performance, Ford Performance Solutions, and a few others a call and lay out to them what you have planned.

If a engine building shop can't get you on the right path then no one can.