New crate motor, which one is overall good buy?

[Joe caetano]

Putting a new motor in my 79 capri I am looking for advise on what crate motor is the better buy? Was thinking 400 hp engine for a street car , looking for complete drop in and go engine advise needed!!!!!

[NY5speed]

Are you looking at any brands/ builders currently? Are you looking to stay 302 or go bigger? Budget? How do you want to use the car (street/strip, cruiser, auto-x, track days)? A little more info will get you some great advice I'm sure.

[vdubn]

I have a couple other questions... are you looking to stay with a pushrod engine, or are other engines on the table? Also, what is your budget, that has the biggest affect on the direction you go, or how far you need to take the project.

[mmb617]

We're definitely going to need to know your budget to give any advice at all. Are you looking for 400 hp at the wheels? If so you probably want to go bigger than a 302 unless you're interested in some kind of power adder.

But it all starts with the budget! If you want a turnkey 400 hp engine you probably need around $10k.

[KevinVarnes]

As mentioned, a budget number would be helpful. Also, any good 400hp engine build for a fox body vehicle starts with a set of quality and properly installed subframe connectors.

[Joe caetano]

Looking a 347 crate motor I am putting in cobra rear suspension and new k member and all new parts for suspension , plus 5 lug hubs , a t5 tranny and new driveline looking to spend no more than 7k

[Joe caetano]

Just a good street car with upgraded independent suspension

[Joe caetano]

Looking a 347 crate motor I am putting in cobra rear suspension and new k member and all new parts for suspension , plus 5 lug hubs , a t5 tranny and new driveline looking to spend no more than 7k

EDIT POST***REPLY***REPLY WITH QUOTE**********

Today,*12:28 PM#7

Joe caetano*

New UserJoin Date

Just a good street car with upgraded independent suspension

EDIT POST***REPLY***REPLY WITH QUOTE**********

[mmb617]

Looking a 347 crate motor I am putting in cobra rear suspension and new k member and all new parts for suspension , plus 5 lug hubs , a t5 tranny and new driveline looking to spend no more than 7k

Are you willing to spend $7k on the motor or is that the budget for all those upgrades? There's no way you'll get all that for $7k, in fact I think it'll be a challenge to find a turnkey 400 hp 347 without going over $7k. You probably would be able to put one together for that price but it would easily eat up all that $7k.

I don't want to discourage you but the money goes away faster than you can imagine. When I built my motor I was shocked to find it was over $7k total and I didn't even have high quality heads, which would have added another grand.

One other thing I can tell you from experience is that a T5 can last behind a 400 hp engine car that is street driven, but if you think you can beat on it and power shift it you'll soon find out what the inside of a T5 looks like.

[Joe caetano]

I'm willing to pay 5k for good engine the tol build is about 15 k unless u think my stock 302 can get add pans to increase hp

[erratic50]

its a tall order. A good shortblock will cost $1800 after shipping. One that's had stuff done to it -- more like 3K. etc. Upgraded heads are required. Upgraded intake is required. Headers, exhaust, stronger transmission, better rear-end, rear control arms, etc.

also be careful what you ask for-- a 300 HP car with properly built out chassis will completely destroy a 400HP car that's stock everywhere else.

Heck, my 1986GT is mostly stock and I've made some very impressive cars look extremely stupid with it. Its still a lot of stock parts under the hood except for the cam, induction, and exhaust.

Save yourself a TON of money and do an insane amount of reading before do much of anything. The foxbody cars when stock will stand up to so much abuse its hard to imagine and if you modify them wrong, you'll barely get to drive it because you'll be stuck working on it all the time.

[mikestang63]

you can easily get 400 hp with a mild 351 build

[webestang]

you can easily get 400 hp with a mild 351 build

Looking into that for my 85 notch.

https://lmr.com/products/Mustang-351w-Engine-Swap-Guide

[droopie85gt]

Anything stock block 302 based is a time bomb above 400hp. The blocks are weak. You can get 4 more cubes with a stock and stronger 351w. A lot of parts swap. You would mainly need swap headers, oil pan and a/c bracket if you're keeping a/c.

[emerygt350]

or you could just keep what you have and go for 500+ hp and 600+ torque

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYu7irteuOU