[newstang1968]

I am truly new to this and yet to buy a mustang so I am trying to asses the cost of certain upgrades in order to make my decision. I really want to upgrade the performance of the vehicle, to at least over 350 hp, and it's a 1968 Mustang with a 302 V-8, auto transmission, and already upgraded rear end.

My questions are:

1. Car has a 302 V-8 would it be better to upgrade the 302 with parts while keeping the 302 in it or should I swap the engine for a 351w?

2. What is the price difference between the both?

3. What kind of performance difference should I expect?

4. Would I need to upgrade the rear end again or anything else, like brakes?

You guys have been awsome helping me out! Thank you i advance.

[newstang1968]

OK I have done a bit of self educating while waiting for replies so I have the idea in my mind that if I keep the 302 I could stroke it to 331? Does that sound right?

And if I get the 351w, I could stroke it to 393w?

And that if I do either one, I still have a streetcar that I can drive on a daily basis, that satisfy my hunger for that "muscle" car feel.

So my previous questions are not as important as my next... If I am looking to aquire this "muscle" feel, my understanding is that 350 hp to 400 hp is MORE than enough. Assuming that I am right in that sense, I guess here are my questions:

1. How much hp will I get out of a 302 stroked to 331? And what is the avg cost of this?

2. How much hp will I get out of a 351w not stroked? And what would be the cost of the engine, plus any upgrades I would need to make?

3. How much hp will I get out of a 351w stroked to 393w? And what would be the cost of the stroke, plus any upgrades I would need to make?

Thanks in advance... I will continue to try to educate myself while I wait for responses... you all are the best!

[EagleAutosports]

Sorry it's taken you a while to get a response, I just now saw this thread.
Yes, you can stroke a 302 out to 331 and a 351 out to a 393. Both can go even larger than those.

A 331 has the potential with the right parts to make around 375-400 hp naturally aspirated. A 393 with the right parts can make over 400 naturally aspirated. A 351 can also make good power, with the same parts as the 393 (minus the added stroke) can be around 350-375. Both can actually make more than these numbers but I'm planning for a street engine, meaning longevity as well as power.

Both 331 and 393 stroker kits prices depend on the quality of parts such as forged rods, piston choices, crank material choices, you can find them as low as $900 or as much as $1800. For a typical street engine, regardless of cubic inch size, a stroker with forged I beam rods, forged pistons, cast crank, can handle up to 550 hp and cost around $1100-$1200. H beam rods and 4340 forged cranks are overkill for a 400-500 hp engine or one that will not see the high side of 6500 rpm. In that case, the 4340 turns into boat anchors and is not needed. Cast cranks from Scat, Eagle, Lunati, DSS, all are great pieces and are plenty strong. But the pistons should always be forged, the added cost of forged pistons is nothing compared to the cost of a cast piston failure. And the rods should also be forged, I beams will be fine, H beams are good to have but aren't necessary at this point, that choice is up to you.

And I merged your two threads on this subject into this one, no need to post it in both the talk and tech section. You should be getting more responses, we have some very knowledgeable members here so they should help out later this evening.

[newstang1968]

Thanks a million, no need to apologize about the time, we all got things to do. I'm just trying to soak in as much knowledge as I can to make a knowledgable decision as to what Mustang to get, and whether or not I need to swap or stroke a 302 engine to get the feel I want.

[Spraguepsycho1]

One thing to remember once you finally decide which engine you want to build is the stock Ford heads are really restrictive. Most aftermarket heads have bigger valves and much better breathing ports , which can free up a lot of HP even on a mildly modified engine. I have a tight budget, so I am going to go with a stock stroke 302, with just a cleanup bore, forged pistons, and a FPP flat tappet camshaft with anti pump up lifters, then top it off with a good set of aftermarket heads and roller rockers. I figure I'll make more power with a good set of heads on the stock stroke, than I would with a 331 or 347 on stock heads.

[newstang1968]

How much do you think it would run to get aftermarket headers to replace the stock ones would be? And is it worth stroking the 302 to a 331 and replacing the headers as well if I have the $$$?

[systronic]

He means replacing the CYLINDER heads, not exhaust headers. But you should get headers as well, long tubes. A good set of after market heads will run you a little over a grand.