Engine do it now, or wait?

[Martin]

I have enough cash to get a bare bones engine. But it isn't going to be the engine I want.

Saving the cash to get the engine I want is going to take a long time. Every time I save up enough, something happens and I end up starting from scratch again.

My options are:
1) get a bare bones engine, try to sell it in the future
2) get a long block with the cheapest top end I can find
3) wait and get the engine I want in a few years time.

The car won't need the engine for another 9 months.

Option 1 and 2 mean it costs me more in the long run, but I'll be able to drive it sooner rather than later.

Option 3 could mean a very long wait.

I guess it's my own fault for falling in love with a efi stack set up...

Thoughts?

Martin

[CraigS]

Go w/ number 1!!! Get that car on the road as soon as you can. Not sure of availability in the UK but Ford Explorers had 5.0 engines after the Mustangs went to the 4.6 so that might open up some sources for you. My MkI had a stock efi mustang 225 HP engine and w/ a 355 gear it was a lot of fun. Another option would be a 351 from a van or truck. They are a stronger engine than a 302 and respond real well to Edelbrock heads and intake and a mild cam for an easy 400 hp.

[efnfast]

How about option 4 - abandon efi stack? Harder to tune/setup, costly, and when the hood's closed and you're driving you won't care.

[turbonut48]

Get a 351W. Even a stock one will propel you like a rocket.

The Nut

[skullandbones]

There's another strategy that might fit better with your situation. There are many sites that have "good" race parts that are very reasonably priced. One such site is racersoutlet. I found a quick release steering wheel kit but I noticed there are 100s of great deals on forged pistions, H stye connecting rods, and all sorts of other components for building a killer racing engine. Don't know if you build engines but even if you don't a competent shop could put it together for you. The point is you could live within your present budget and get the parts along the way and before you know it, you have a complete shortblock setting in front of you. That way you aren't waiting to get the whole bundle before pulling the trigger. I'm going to do this same tactic for my next engine since I have a couple of short blocks waiting in the garage.

But if I had to pick one of the above options, I would go with 1 also. That will get you out there faster. WEK.

[Martin]

How about option 4 - abandon efi stack? Harder to tune/setup, costly, and when the hood's closed and you're driving you won't care.
It's not just about the looks.

300 hp will scare me for 6 months. When I get used to it, 450 hp will be enough.

But, to help make it manageable, I really want a flat torque curve which is why I want stacks.

Martin

[Martin]

Go w/ number 1!!! Get that car on the road as soon as you can. Not sure of availability in the UK but Ford Explorers had 5.0 engines after the Mustangs went to the 4.6 so that might open up some sources for you. My MkI had a stock efi mustang 225 HP engine and w/ a 355 gear it was a lot of fun. Another option would be a 351 from a van or truck. They are a stronger engine than a 302 and respond real well to Edelbrock heads and intake and a mild cam for an easy 400 hp.

We can get ford crate engines in the uk. They are a lot more expensive than in the usa.

Martin

[riptide motorsport]

#1......

[mike forte]

Hi Martin,
I have a dispolay Ford Racing M-6007-Z427FFT engine for sale at $8600.00. It's all new with a warranty. I can finish assemble it to turnkey and dyno it too.
Mike

[QSL]

its your dream car, dont skimp on anything you dont want to. It will be worth it in the end.

[snakeboost]

Also it's your car & a 302 looks like a 302. We have had a customer with a mustang buy the 302/306 crate motor & dress the crap out of it [Vintage air front runner system, Webber carb manifold setup, Billet Specialties valve covers, ect] It readily wins trophys & get mad props at car shows. 340 horsepower looks like much more!

Steve

[LucasL]

I will be putting a Roush 427R with a fast EFI. I love the stack too but decided the Fast system is less expensive and has a lot of the same benefits as the Stack. Check it out.

[rich grsc]

How about option 4 - abandon efi stack? Harder to tune/setup, costly, and when the hood's closed and you're driving you won't care.

From someone who spent thousands, and untold hours polishing all the aluminum, even though everyone suggested it a waste of time. Polished aluminum is just an ego thing, adds nothing to performance, a well tuned stack system can make your eyes bleed. :)

[Martin]

That's definitely how I feel 99% of the time.


its your dream car, dont skimp on anything you dont want to. It will be worth it in the end.

[Martin]

a well tuned stack system can make your eyes bleed. :)

That's how I feel all the time.

Martin

[Martin]

I will be putting a Roush 427R with a fast EFI. I love the stack too but decided the Fast system is less expensive and has a lot of the same benefits as the Stack. Check it out.


I did look at that - quite closely in fact. The torque curve isn't as flat as I'd like it to be, which in my head, tells me it won't be as predictable as I'd like it to be either. I'm not a seasoned driver of 450+hp cars (350hp with awd and enough hi tec gadgets to make it easy - yes). I think the short wheel base, light weight and high HP is enough to scare me.

I was looking at either the Fortes engine build experience, Wayne Presley doing the engine for me (he is the stack master after all), or going for a local builder here in the UK. With numbers in the region of $18k or £18k for the local builder, it's a of a lot of money no matter which option I go for.

I'm currently sitting in the wait and see camp. Let's see how quickly the build progresses and how excited I get.

Martin

[Mesa Mike]

Start with a basic 5.0. You can always keep the block and build up it up later to something more. I started with a basic 5.0 and now I'm on my second block and third generation fuel system. EFI to super EFI to Carb. Still pushing 425hp with the 5.0 naturally aspirated.