To Build or buy?

[geckolyn]

I have a 1998 XLT with 208K. Leaking oil from timing chain cover and rear main seal. Has been a great truck for us and still running strong. Since you guys have been great in the past I thought I would try again. I have built many SBC's in the past, but never a SBF. Not afraid of doing it, just want to do it right the first time. I'm wanting a little more HP (missing my strip days), and some low end. Let's just say a little BMW sleeper eater. I have had some thoughts of doing a Cobra/ Boss Explorer project. Would like to lower it and have a wider stance. I know this won't be cheap, but I want it done right. Just kicking around some ideas, and looking for some as well.

So with that being said, Do I buy a long block or do I just rebuild the one I have.

Be gentle!

Thanks,
Lyn

 

[geckolyn]

Bump

 

[SoHK_alumni]

The cost to buy a high perf long block can get scary. (At least on my budget)

If you're looking to keep it at 302ci and not have a ton of down time, think about starting with a forged internals 5.0 from a 'Stang or Mk VII, a nice cam and good heads on top and you'll have a great start.

If you're looking to stroke it out for more cubes but with sane power levels, any decent block would make a good place to start.

If you're looking to max out a SBF, you'll probably want to start with a Boss or Dart block and go crazy from there.

 

[nimblemotors]

Sounds like your motor is just tired not damaged. Rebuild yours would likely cost less, and doing so employs local workers.

I'd go with a supercharger if I could afford it and was smog legal.

 

[geckolyn]

Great info. I always liked the supercharged trucks. Might just have to spend a little more time looking at that. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I'm in the middle of building a 302 for my Ranger swap. Here are my suggestions:
Build build build!!

A 5.0 is a very easy motor to build and get power out of and the builds, between Explorer and Mustang and F-150's, have been well documented over the years. Personally, I'm using an E303 cam, if I were doing it over I would call Comp Cams and talk to them, be honest about what you wanna do, and see what they recommend. Grab a set of aftermarket heads and intake while you're at it and she'll hum very nicely for you.

As far as forged internals go, I used scat rods and sealed power pistons, if I were doing it over I probably wouldn't as it's overkill but to me, I like knowing it's bulletproofed.

Summit Racing also offers a stroker kit for about 1500$ if you really feel ornery.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

I'd do a 331 or 347. I was going to in mine but I just didn't have the time so I kept it stock.

 

[geckolyn]

OK, So you talked me into rebuilding mine. I live in Queen Creek, AZ. Need to know if anyone on here has had any machine work done around here. Would like to get references before I trust a shop with my engine.