T-MAD

Well I have taken one more step in picking out the parts for my mustang motor. I will be using a pair of Edelbrock heads and of course a street performance cams with roller rockers and hydralic roller lifters. I have not decided on the amount of lift yet though. But before I even get to the top end of the motor I still haven’t decided on what to do with the crank. The one that I have is in good condition so if people can convince me, for my applications, that I do not need a stroker kit I will leave that crank and just change pistons and connecting rods. So if people know anything about this please let me know what you think.
Thanks T-MAD

5PointOHNO

Well it depends what your goals are. Sure theres more potential with a 331, but that's only if it's done right with good parts. Theres tons of half assed 331's running around with less power than a properly setup 306

T-MAD

very true but if i was the type of person to use cheap parts then my motor is aready f---ed. so lets just hope the i will not be going down that path. i have been looking at all the parts that i will be getting and making sure that are of at least good quality. so that brings us back to is pushing the 302 to 331 asking for more problems down the road or is it really worth the money

Old School

iTrader: (1)

Cheap or expensive parts, have not real bearing on the Power generation of a either motor.

Poorly clearanced, measured and assembled, expensive parts, can perform like ***.

T-MAD

ok i will be the person building the engine and will be using the same quality parts in either the 302 or the 331 depending on what i decide on ( if i can get some reall advice about them) i will be making sure that everything is within specs for clearences and well prepared. so again this come to the questions 302 or 331 it is not like i am going to build a very nice 302 and decide to let me cat build my 331 so with respec to quality it will be the same for either motor.

Old School

iTrader: (1)

Well it is a bit of trival question to begin with. As there is tonnes of information out there on the subject.

You decide on which way you'd want to go, as you can't really compare assembling a 302 to assembling a 331 from a cost stand point.... the 331 is already min.of 1000 dollars different to begin with. If you can afford do 331, if not, do a 302.

Basically, from a power generation stand point, the 331 will create more power due to its cubic increase,.. but don't expect SERIOUS gains, compared to a a completely Race prepd 306 (that's more of a comparison), as it really just designed to bring the power band down and increased due to the longer rods, shorter pistons, and longer stroke, compared to its 306 brother!!! but like the saying goes Torque is king, and the sooner the better!

So basically let your wallet decide, if you can afford 331/347 then do it, if not, you will not be unhappy with a killer 306.

Both make a great engine combo, with the proper gear in each. you won't be unhappy either way you decide to go.

good luck

T-MAD

thank. that sounds some good info. i think i will go with the 302 crank and get new pistons and conecting rods. after a balance it will feel good to just get the motor on it's way of being compleated.
T-mad

Stang Seller

I agree with Old School here. From a cost standpoint the 331 will definitely cost more. Personally, though I do like 331's and I love torque.... there's nothing I like more than a well set up long rod 306. It's all in the setup, and although a similar 306 will be down on torque compared to a 331 it can be faster and just as fun. If your car is a 5 speed equipeed Fox body with 3.73 gears, my suggestion is go 306, have the parts fully machined and balanced, get a custom grind cam or a well matched off the shelf unit (no Ford letter cams please!!), Edelbrock performer 5.0 heads with 1.9/1.6 valves and an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake matched with long tube headers and full exhaust. Make sure you're running at least a 190lph intank fuel pump, adjustable regulator, and a minimum of 24#injectors with a matching MAF. Good luck!
SS

KDK1988GT

I just did a 331 last year.. D.S.S kit (with main support) 185 AFR heads, Holly SysteMAX II intakes, 1.6 Rockers. Comp Cam 224 232, Comp Springs, Mac Long Tubes, Canton Oil Pan, 75 MAF, 70mm Throttle Body & EGR spacer, 30lbs Ford Racing Injectors. and much more.. all balanced to 28oz this is what adds to the cost getting the new harmonic blancer and flywheel matched to 28oz.. thats one of the extra things that u would need to do.

The motor works well, have no complaints, but like the guys say if you want to spend a bit more go with the 331 over the 302.. In the end what kind of power do u want? Are you addding a power adder? Good luck with your project.

T-MAD

well because the crank and engine are in suck good condition i will be keeping the 302. with G. Edelbrock Victor Jr. With 2.05-inch intake and 1.60-inch exhaust valves, plus larger intake ports and raised exhaust ports. T-5 WC trany 600 cfm carb. no fuel injection, custom cams, and long tube exhaust header with matching 4" intake. after that the rest of the exhaust will be my own strait pipe no cat's and exiting before the rear tires to avoid the back pressure from going over the axle.
T-MAD