Originally Posted by 91se-r
BoostLag the reason that everyone is downing your choice in blocks is that at around the 550rwhp point they tend to fail. That goes for a stock production block, Mexico block, Sportsman block, etc. Basically any "2-bolt main" block. There was a Ford Motorsport block (called the A4 block due to its Ford part number) that had upgraded structure and 4-bolt mains but it went out of production a few years back. The newer "Motorsport" block is the Sportsman block, and although advetised to support up to 600 hp, is a little iffy at best at that level. Everyone agrees that the "R" block is the "best" foundation (along with forged crank, rods, pistons) but you pay a premium for it to include machine work since they come unfinished new. A more recent 4-bolt alternative is the Dart block and has been getting favorable reviews.
Cylinder heads is a stumbling block for most folks. The camshaft and heads should be chosen together. There's no sense in putting in a 0.600" lift cam if the head flow falls off after 0.550". Follow? Since you're planning on using forced induction of some sort then you can get away with a smaller head port volume and still have great results. It all really revolves around the cam choice. Talk to a knowledgeable engine builder before you buy parts. It will save you tons of $$.
If it were
ME and I wanted a 500rwhp car
I would get a DSS 331/347 long block with AFR 185's and a Comp blower cam. Add a Holley intake and a Vortech/ATI/Paxton blower and hit the dyno for a tune. At that level I'd most likely need to upgrade the fuel system but it would be close with a 255lph in-tank, 255 T-Rex external pump, aftermarket rails and at least a 42# injector. The 8.8 rearend would be fine for me with some 31 spline axles and a truetrac differential (as long as I had the axle tubes welded up for some 1/4 mile hits on slicks). The subframe connectors with quality upper and lower control arms would be a good idea too along with that TKO500 trans you mentioned earlier.
Whatever YOU decide, it will work out. Half the fun is gaining the experience right?
THANK YOU..thats the type of shit i like to see RIGHT THERE....i really appreciate that statement.
now you made a lot of very solid points...now from the get go i had heard people using DSS racing blocks,and having good outcomes with them..shit..i even picked up a Recent 5.0 mag,where the guy had a foxbody,vortech blower,DSS 306,running 11.2 in the quarter,which in the magazine,they said equaled out to about 500rwhp or more...i didnt hear anything about DSS being bad,or throwing together shitty blocks...so i think im going to Stick to what i saw,and my research.
as far as the heads...im probably going to order a set of TF twisted wedge 185's tonite,or tommorow...i already bought the GT40 intakes..and a lot of people said it wouldnt keep up with the flow rate of the heads,and im pretty sure it wont..but its better than stock,and later down the line,when i feel like upgrading,ill get a Track heat intake,or something that has better runners.
but that information really put me a step ahead of the game...once again..thanks.
my next step after i order the heads,is to get an MSD 6AL box,blaster coil,new cap,wires,and then start on my fuel...ill probably work on the short block last,seeing as that is the most important part of my project.