[mrqb22]

I recently blew both head gaskets and a piston in my 93 Cobra.

I want to rebuild the engine from the bottom up. I was looking at the Boss 302 Block and Ford Racing told me that it is nearly impossible to destroy that block as is rated to 1200 HP. Problem is it is very costly.

Sencond If I use a stock 302 block and go with all forged internals rods, pistons etc is it going to hold up to the expected 500 RWP.

On my current set up I had 455 RWHP, I dont know if I did any damage to the block or not yet.

Or can I stock 5.0 block handle the 500 RWHP?

Any advise would be great thanks

[AT68]

The pre-1982 blocks will supposedly handle up to 750hp at the crankshaft, but I'd use a steel billet main stud girdle, as I did on my own 302.
The blocks produced in 1982 and newer are about 40 lbs lighter to help the Fox body cars handle better, and much of the weight savings came from reducing the material around the main webbing, where it's most important for high hp. These newer blocks are supposely only able to survive 450 hp at the crankshaft.

[mrqb22]

So in the Long run I am better off spending the extra cash now as it will save me a hell of a lot of money in the future.

Thanks for the info.

Ford also has a sportsman block which is below the boss. Do you know what that block is rated at?

[347HO]

A seasoned engine builder over on sbftech posted a thread on the Boss 302 block. There are some issues I think you should know about before and after you buy that block.
I have no experience on that block so I'm no help other than to guide you to a post that has very good information IMO.

Good luck

By the way, what cylinder heads were you using on that 445rwhp setup and what camshaft and intake?

[mrqb22]

Can you post that link to the thread ?

my 93 cobra has stock cobra GT 40 Heads (as far as I know), stock intake upper and lower. Basically engine itself was bone stock.

I am running 42 lb injectors and a 90 mm

Vortech V-1 with air to water after cooler 11 psi

BBK H pipe, headers, flow master exhaust.

455.8 horse to rear wheel with 456. torque with perfect air to fuel ratio.

Problem with cooling system which caused car to over heat...over heating and boost dont mix now I am stuck with two blown head gaskets.

I am looking to put down at least 500 to the rear wheel any other good quaility blocks out there.

Thanks

Dan

[347HO]

Originally Posted by mrqb22

Can you post that link to the thread ?
Thanks
Dan

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You'll have to become a member to view this thread.
Below is the original poster's first post.
BEWARE... the first post is positive, but as you read on, there are issues future owners must know under certain circumstances.


I finished machining the Boss block yesterday and I am impressed.
Both decks were within .003 deck height of each other and both sides square deck too 8.207 deck height.
At 4.125 it is .300+ thick on the thrusts and the lifter bores are sized right out of the box.
I am impressed.

Looks wise the block is mutch nicer than a Dart as they are shipped apperance wise.
Needs way less deburring.

This block is a great choice and I really feel it will go toe too toe with a Dart block.

[AT68]

You could always go with a '94+ 351W truck block. Factory roller lifters, and it's a lot stronger than even the early 302 block.

[347HO]

Originally Posted by AT68

You could always go with a '94+ 351W truck block. Factory roller lifters, and it's a lot stronger than even the early 302 block.

While this is true... due to the weight gain, a suspension upgrade and tuning will need to be accomplished.
I'm not saying this is a bad idea since there are cubic inches, and cost savings involved and that's a whole other subject.

[EagleAutosports]

The stock 5.0 block seems to have a 500 hp limit before it'll develop cracks and splits in the main area and in the lifter valley. The Sportsman block is slightly better than a stock 5.0 block, just think of it as a really strong stock block. If you're planning on making serious power, best thing to do is bite the bullet and get one of the aftermarket blocks like the Boss.