frpp sportsman strength?

jamiesbudd · 12-30-2008

I'd really appreciate for a straight answer. Not to offend any one but, I've seen alot of post asking questions about the strength of the frpp 302 sportsman block. My question is it capable of supporting 500-525 hp with a girdle ? I'm building a vert fox full weight with a AOD trying to get the car into mid to low elevens on DR's . I plan on purchasing an K member, the entire UPR suspension front and rear to lighten it up some and convert to flaming river manuel rack to save shed some weight.The car might see 20 to 25% track time. A 351 is not an option so I really don't need any info on them. I'm gonna use afr 185's cnc I'Ve got a trick flow intake and would like to use the xe 274 hr . I'm not worried about passing smog. I'll buy a sticker for it, my goal is 450-475 fwhp with a 331, that wont break up something that'll last 2 or 3 years. Can anyone help me with any advice on this set and block will it work? Please no if and or buts or inexperienced guess'es experience is what I'm looking for, just the facts. If you've done it, or knowledgable about this build let me know. Thanks for your input BKL

dufkis · 12-31-2008

The 2 bolt Sportsman blocks are the same junk as the factory block. They have weak main webbing which is where all 2 bolt blocks fail. All the girdle will do is hold the bottom end together when the block fails. They really are not worth much on a stock block for strength. If your looking to build a good motor do it right and get a Dart/A4/R/Boss block and know that it can take what your throwing at it.

**RLG34750** · 12-31-2008

the sportman block is more of a replacement of a stock block.....

it will only support about the same as power as its stock counterpart......

also the use of a main girdle from my experience is useless.....

the majority of stock failure occur in the lifter valley

if you are looking to make big horsepower you will need an aftermarket block......

cindys_sn95 · 12-31-2008

get the BOSS and be done with it.

**EagleAutosports** · 12-31-2008

It IS an improvement over a stock block, but not by much. For the small improvement, it doesn't validate the cost of it.

jamiesbudd · 01-01-2009

What do you guys think of purchasing a used aftermarket block. Do you know of any reputable people in the houston area who might hook me up? Or maybe any reputable guys on this sight that could give me some good leads or where to score a block. I really appreciate all the honesty and straight talk it saves me alot of time and $$$ and really says something about you guys. Real men & women race fords. Sincerely B.K.L

dufkis · 01-02-2009

Just keep your eyes open for deals. Check out hardcore50.com thats where I scored my short block from. I got it from a NMRA racer and it was everything it was supposed to be. Just keep an eye out and look for someone reputable or check the motor out 1st to know what your getting.

jamiesbudd · 01-02-2009

Thanks for the info on the web site dufkis gonna put it on my favorites list until I score.