[2007calispecial]

Just wondering, How much can the stock 5.0 take? im talking about like from 87-92 with the forged pistons.. How much can the block, rods, crank, pistons, whatever else take, and what can you do to fix those weak spots? thanks

[TurboLX]

only about 500hp at the most.
there are guys running atleast 550hp on stock blocks but you gotta be careful

[fogged306]

The tune is also the deal breaker, the better the tune, the better the block stands a chance of living in those hp numbers. I wouldn't go to 500 with stock internals though, just my .02

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying its not possible. I have actually seen a guy making 550 on an entirely stock block, rings, pistons and all and it lived for a very very long time..... I also saw an episode of C.O.P.S. where a guy swallowed an 8-ball and jumped off a 5 or 6 story building and got up and ran a block or two before getting caught.... If you get the meaning of what I'm trying to say

[mikebert]

Originally Posted by fogged306 The tune is also the deal breaker, the better the tune, the better the block stands a chance of living in those hp numbers. I wouldn't go to 500 with stock internals though, just my .02

I don't think it's a matter of stock internals. The 302 block normally tops out at 500hp - the internals don't break as much as the block itself splits from top to bottom.

[fogged306]

Yes but a good tune will eliminate detonation which will keep the bottom end together for longer. I completely agree that the block will give before anything, thats just the point I was trying to make