SPF ...342 Roush engine ..302 block an issue?

Rickyd · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 08:35 PM

Trying to detrmine what configuration I should put in a SPF. I want around 385-450 Hp that is a relaible cruiser. What do you guys think about a stroked out 302 i.e Roush 342 450 hp 420 ft. lbs. Is that a resell nightmare (302 bloc) or should I stick with a ford crate at 385 hp because it is a 351 block? Money is an object but i am looking at the long run as well.

Too many choices in America!!'

')

Rick

bnewell · #2 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 08:53 PM

Rick ~ depends if you ask a BB or SB guy. IMHO you see more SB's for sale than BB's. Probably because the SB guys really wish that they would have bought a BB

Brian

OneFastRide · #3 (**permalink**) 12-21-2003, 10:05 PM

The Ford SVO Crates are good choices for strong, reliable performance at reasonable cost. I have a 392 SVO in my SPF that I have pepped up a bit over the past couple of years (bigger heads and tricked out carb). It dynos at 375 rwhp. It is a very strong runner, very reliable (so far) and LOTS of fun. I think this route makes more sense than a 302 based Roush.
Just my .02. Happy motoring!
Steve

Rickyd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 05:29 AM

I guess the last thing you put in these cars is an under powered engine. I am gatherign one will always quest for more poinie once he gets use to the car. Some where in this forum I read it is a lot less expensive to do it right the first time. I think it applies in the engine choice as well.

I'll check out the ford 392 crate..thanks

Rick

bnewell · #5 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 05:42 AM

Rick ~ before spending your hard earned cash, try to drive cars with the different power plants. That could be a tough task this time of year in Ohio, although better to be over powered than under powdered. Nothing worse than owing an anemic Cobra

Brian

aumoore · #6 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 07:01 AM

It's not how tall you ride in the saddle, it's the fancy way you get on and off.

If a stroked 302 in a Cobra is underpowered what is a Corvette Z06 with only a 405HP 350?

I run a soccer mom motor(302 out of a Mountaineer) in my Cobra and it run with most big blocks up to about 120 MPH. I run 3.73:1 gears so it is real quick and who needs a lot of top speed capability in a Cobra? Plus it is kind of fun to open up the hood and show the guy he just got beat by a 302.

One of the fastest cobra replicas is quick1's car and he is running a 289! If I remember correctly the Dragon Snakes were 289 motors.

A big block is real powerful but also harder to harness all the torque. IMHO a cobra needs very little torque bot it does need HP and 350 hp is about all you will really need unless you plan on racing every day.

Most people lump 351 engines in with 302 engines when resale is considered. Yes you get more for selling a big block but it does cost more up front.

Remember it is your car so do what you want not what we say you should do.

Rickyd · #7 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 07:36 AM

Great advice guys..more information to ponder.

Any thoughts on reliability? Is a stroke engine more subject to a overheating or implosion? Rick

RPRICE · #8 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 03:01 PM

Enjoyed our phone conversation a little bit ago. Don't worry about the common stroke combinations. They are tried and true.

Just remember that HP make speed, Torque make acceleration. For daily driving duty, any engine combo will work. Think ahead to what you will be doing with the car come summer.
Richard
Memphis

Rickyd · #9 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 08:17 PM

I'm going with an inline six. Maybe a slant 225. They were awesome.

Thanks for your advice,

I'm leaning towards a built 351 - 450 hp.

Rick

Perf. Eng. Eric · #10 (**permalink**) 12-22-2003, 09:00 PM

Good choice Rick!