Well I can get my hands on a BRAND NEW Lightning long block for a little under $2,000. It is at a motor shop nearby my house so I was thinking of having them build it up to handle some power. Seems like more and more guys are going the route of having a local shop build there motor or building it themselves. I really just don't have the $10,000+ of paying one of the tuners to install a long block with cams so I may try this route. It is either buy the motor he has and have very little down time with my truck or pull my motor and give it to him. Just trying to weigh out my options here. I want a strong short block, cleaned up heads, and a set of nice cams. I am not trying to set any speed records put I do want to be in the low low low 11, high 10 sec area. I am hoping to achieve this without any nitrous also. So what are people that go this route spending all the whole thing>??? I guess I could buy a lower end package and some cams from a tuner. Or would I save a bundle locating this stuff myself>??? Any help or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, -Mat-

 

TTT

 

There's one on eBay right now. However, it's stock but the starting bid is only $2000.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2425347541

 

I can already get a brand new(never used) long block for less then $2000. I was just curious what route I should go in building IT up or just building mine and dealing with the down time. -Mat-

 

Personally, I would try to find a used block (seasoned block), a seasoned block has already had thousands of heat cycles and will not flex nearly as much as a new block....if you have to go 20 over, so what. As far as pistons, the JEs are nice but the CPs are nicer ..have a real thick dome excellent for NOS. Manley makes a nice 750 horse rod but for the same amount of money you can get a set of Eagle rods w/ arp2000 rod bolts that are rated to 1000hp...bearings Id go with Fed Mogul....all the rest just get stock.....youll be fine

 

You are better off with a used block as Pro stated. You will less likely end up with piston slap when its bored as well. Usually, people with the noisiest motors are from new shortblocks since they more then likely spit rods through the stocker.

You could take a stock shortblock and just replace the rods. That will support a lot more power... Its just the pistons will now be the weak link in that shortblock.

 

i would take pro's adivce also. my dream L motor isn't anything special. Basically what Pro is talking about with stock cams. bored over, nice rods and pistons, then slap the big power adders to it. Reliable, more hp due to displacement. Bigger blower and big shot and there you go.

edit: I'm even copying and pasteing what pro said to save.

 

I will look for a used block then. I couldn't see that being hard to find. I can get 03 heads cheap. I really would like to do something in the cam department to get the most out of my KB. I would most likely not go with Nitrous but may if the feeling is right. Thanks for the opinions and keep them coming. -Mat-

 

If you want cams, let me know. Im sure i can steer you towards the proper channels to get the right grind for your combo. Lemme know.

 

Thanks! Once I get to those stages I will let ya know. I appreciate it. -Mat-

 

Well, my time has come to move on to built motorville. Is it true the 03 blocks are stronger? Should I buy a new block or used 03 block instead of rebuilding on my stock one?

SVTF150,

Where are you able to purchase these 03 heads for cheap? Wanna share?

-Mike

 

Well I just get them for quite a bit under list(couple hundred bucks). At our shop we buy a lot from a Ford dealer and in return get a % off of list. This holds true with any shop. Some just get more off then others. It is not like I am getting them for free but I do get them a bit cheaper then the average Joe walking into the dealer. -Mat-

 

I have also heard that the 03s have more webbing and higher nickel content in their blocks....I havent seen one to confirm this...Ford supposedly said that they reinforced the 03 blocks because that was the reason for so many rod failures (due to the previous blocks flexing so much which caused rod failure)..yeah, right......If that ws the case we could all fill our blocks with hard-block , run cast rods and be safe at a 1000 hp level..
I have seen one '02 HD break a block at 800 miles, but that was due to all 8 rods breaking at the small end in motor and sending shrapnel throughout motor...the bottom line is I think rods take the most punishment in any motor and must be treated as such....