Budget engine build, 331 or 347 possible?

[1997XLTRollover]

Well guys, looks like my 96 needs an engine. I've got a rod knock or maybe wrist pin issue, so should have a good core engine to rebuild. Since I have to go through all this I was thinking of ways to get more power. Are there any ways to build an engine with some power on a budget? I'm hoping to keep it under 1000 bucks for everything.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

dont mean to sound like a jerk, but the machining alone will probably be $1000

 

[1997XLTRollover]

dont mean to sound like a jerk, but the machining alone will probably be $1000

Where do you get stuff machined? Haha I can get a valve job, bore and cleaning for probably 300 bucks.

 

[boominXplorer]

If you want to build an explorer 302 there are lots of things to consider.

-You want a cam with a 112 or 114 lsa or the computer will not be happy at all and major tuning will be needed. Also stock valve springs are junk, they are only good till about .480 lift.

-Stock balance is 50oz, most stroker kits are 28oz. There will be extra costs re balancing the balancer and flexplate.

To take advantage of the mods you will want an SCT tuner, that's $300 at least there.

If you want to spend a grand total a stock rebuild is for you. By the time you source quality parts and gaskets it's going to be very tight to get it done under a grand even if your doing most the rebuild yourself.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

Where do you get stuff machined?

at a machine shop just like everyone else. you have to remember this, you will want all the flat surfaces flat, and round holes round, and done with torque plates. they may also have to clearance the block for the rods, and also have to cut the rings, instal the cam bearings, mag it, tank it. it adds up.
even the cheapest stroker kit on summit (just looking real fast is almost $1000

http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/esp-16023030

then you still have to buy a cam.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Is there any reason I can't keep the stock cam and run it without a tuner? Also is block clearancing necessary even with a 331?

 

[1997XLTRollover]

I was looking at this kit if I have to just do a stock rebuild, does anyone know of a cheaper kit? I do want to have something reliable so will replace lifters and do a valve job but probably reuse my cam if it's in good shape. I do however want to make sure I do a good job rebuilding. Thoughts on replacing push rods and rockers or anything I else I should do since based on comments so far it looks like a stock build is the direction I'll have to go.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

if your going to go stroker, and use the stock cam, you might as well go stock on the rebuild and leave the stroker part alone. if you are wanting to hotrod this truck, the saying goes, if you want to play, your going to pay.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Ok so I decided a stock rebuild is probably best. I'm going to get the below kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281127590309?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Should I replace push rods and rockers as well? I'm going to have my connecting rods, crank and of course the block checked to hopefully reuse. Also going to do a valve job, but is there anything else I should do or replace while I have all of this apart?

Also my machine shop might not charge much more to bore 30 over. Should I just punch my block 30 over or is that going to do virtually nothing for power? I don't want to have cooling issues so was wondering if that's still safe to do on a NA stock rebuild.

 

[1997XLTRollover]

EDIT: Sticking with a stock rebuild.