[The Novice]

hey guys i was thinking of rebuilding my motor this winter, or building another block and swapping them.

But i was wondering what blocks could i use that are maybe stronger? I have heard of a Mexican block but are they any better? If so what years were they on?

Also the big question i was thinking of was can i use an old 289 block? I would imagine they can hold more HP that the stock 5.0 Block. Would be a bad idea to use a 289 block to build my 347 stroker motor? Would i be able to use the stroker Cam ( Since the old mustangs didnt use Hidrolic roller cams right?

I dont know a lot about motors so im asking you guys, i just figured maybe a old 289 block could handle the power better. Also would my heads and intake be able to fit on there ( if i tapped holes perhaps ) I dunno if its at all possible or ever been done before. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys! - Joe.

[93mustank]

Mexican block would be best if you can find one and have the extra money....

I am building an early model(69) block 347 ...... Thicker main castings...

Just use link bar lifters and you will be fine......

[JBIGBOOTSY]

Aftermarket blocks would be the strongest

[DejaBlue87]

get the boss block

[The Novice]

I know aftermarket would be the best, but i dont have 4K sitting around to get my hands on one.

Mustank, for the 289, would i have to get a new K member too? Or can it work with the stock fox ones?

Also for the other options what did the Mexican block come from, what year mustangs and how can you identity that its a Mexican block? Thanks for the help guys. - Joe.

[JBIGBOOTSY]

You can get a dart block for about 1800, for the ones with 4bolt mains on 2 3 4. 2400 for the sportsman dart.

[The Novice]

Originally Posted by JBIGBOOTSY You can get a dart block for about 1800, for the ones with 4bolt mains on 2 3 4. 2400 for the sportsman dart.

It would be cool, but i wont be making the power to make it worth the money. Besides then i would want to upgrade my trans and i feel i wont be making enough power.

I would love to but not to mention i only have a T-5z and if i was to make any real HP with this Dart block i would have to replace that too. All adds up quick, hopefully down the road someday or with another stang, but for now and being in college. just trying to do what i can on a budget and learn some new things as i go.

but if i had the cash oh yea that would be sweet!

[fs308]

what set up do you plan on going with with your 347? you may be able to use any 302 block you can get your hands on

[The Novice]

Also would you guys agree that fordstrokers.com would be the best place to get my kit?

Also a few other questions If i did use this kit, could i still use my Comp Cams 1.6 rr or would i have to get new ones?

Yeah i was thinking maybe i could use my stock 5.0 block. after all i really dont think ill be pushing it to the breaking point.

Does the stock block HP rating max out at about 500HP at the crank? Or about 500RWHP?

Also i have Roush 200 CC heads, but for stock setup the Pistons has to be flycut....my question is how does that work when im getting brand new pistons? Will i have to flycut them as well? would kinda suck if i did....

[kilby91]

Originally Posted by The Novice Also would you guys agree that fordstrokers.com would be the best place to get my kit? Also a few other questions If i did use this kit, could i still use my Comp Cams 1.6 rr or would i have to get new ones? Yeah i was thinking maybe i could use my stock 5.0 block. after all i really dont think ill be pushing it to the breaking point. Does the stock block HP rating max out at about 500HP at the crank? Or about 500RWHP? Also i have Roush 200 CC heads, but for stock setup the Pistons has to be flycut....my question is how does that work when im getting brand new pistons? Will i have to flycut them as well? would kinda suck if i did....

1) Fordstrokers.com has a very good reputation and hard to beat prices.. And from what everybody tells me they know what they are talking about over there!

2) Are the heads you want to use designed for pedestal mount or stud mount rockers? Are the roller rockers in question pedestal or stud mount? The ratio is fine, as long as the parts are compatible.

3) The 500hp stock block thing is just a guideline. Alot of people say it is a myth. I wouldn't base any of your decision off that alone..

4) More than likely the aftermarket pistons in your 347 kit will have valve reliefs that will accommodate larger valves and higher lift.. But checking for piston to valve clearance is a mandatory check anyway, and it is always a possibillity that you might have to flycut pistons. But you can do it with the engine assembled..

[93mustank]

Originally Posted by kilby91 1) Fordstrokers.com has a very good reputation and hard to beat prices.. And from what everybody tells me they know what they are talking about over there!

Its a one man operation.........

[kilby91]

And???

[sniperd]

He was just correcting you, you used 'they' instead of 'he', I dont think he was talking about that being a bad thing.

[95StangMX]

I would definately go with Jim (fordstrokers) and he will know what all needs to be done for your specific application and if you need to cut your pistons or not. He is one of the nicest guys I have done business with, very helpful, and KNOWS HIS SHIT.

And the way you can tell if its a Mexican block is because it has "HECHO EN MEXICO" stamped on the block I have a pic somewhere of mine if you need me to post it.

[The Novice]

Originally Posted by 95StangMX I would definately go with Jim (fordstrokers) and he will know what all needs to be done for your specific application and if you need to cut your pistons or not. He is one of the nicest guys I have done business with, very helpful, and KNOWS HIS SHIT. And the way you can tell if its a Mexican block is because it has "HECHO EN MEXICO" stamped on the block I have a pic somewhere of mine if you need me to post it.

Got ya, no need for pics, the Spanish should be enough,lol.

But did they come on certain year mustangs? example 71-73? Or was it random and depended on where the mustang was made?

Thanks a lot for the help guys, really appreciate it.

Not sure on the heads i would have to check. Just feel it would kinda stink if i have to flycut brand new pistons heh.

Finally Do i have to replace my Valve springs when i do the swap? ( only have 25K on them. )