Shortblock advice

[sculptor310]

Looking to upgrade the shortblock on my '15 gen2 whipple (e85) build. My main goal is to be able to push it a bit without worry. (I won't push past 1K RWHP) Wanted to get feedback on recommendations:

1. where to buy
2. gen2vs3 block
3. upgrade to 5.2
4. compression ratio

Thanks!

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[esacteksab]

1) Depends. Levittown Ford has best prices I've found on Ford parts. If you don't want to save money and reuse your factory block. Could also source eBay.
2) It seems the Gen3 block stock is pretty good, with a set of drop-in pistons and rods, you might be OK with stock block and no sleeves. If you want sleeves, MPR, TKM, Fast Forward Race engines would be top of my list.
3) If you've got the coin, no replacement for displacement.
4) No less than 10:1, wouldn't go higher than the factory 11:1

 

[Angrey]

If 1k rwhp is your goal with room to spare, then it will need to be:

1) Sleeved
2) 12 mm head studs (so gen 1 5.0, gen 3 5.0 and gen II 5.2, the gen 2 5.0 block had 11 mm)


Sleeving means you can buy a used block with high mileage (gen 1) and have it sleeved and re-decked. That should save you some money.

Compression, I have my opinions, but there's many of the old school opinion/approach to lower compression and throw more boost.

I favor higher compression, E-85 (which all tuners are going to require if you're wanting 1k rwhp).

 

[turnswrench]

Go read about @80FoxCoupe and do whatever he did. Great example.

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Lets start with the most important part of a build, the budget....

 

[sigintel]

1) Depends. Levittown Ford has best prices I've found on Ford parts. If you don't want to save money and reuse your factory block. Could also source eBay.
2) It seems the Gen3 block stock is pretty good, with a set of drop-in pistons and rods, you might be OK with stock block and no sleeves. If you want sleeves, MPR, TKM, Fast Forward Race engines would be top of my list.
3) If you've got the coin, no replacement for displacement.
4) No less than 10:1, wouldn't go higher than the factory 11:1

Thus it is decided. you are getting a 7.3L with a Whipple.

Lets start with the most important part of a build, the budget....

Budget is Fake NEWS!

 

[80FoxCoupe]

Liked both statements!!!

 

[Angrey]

Lets start with the most important part of a build, the budget....

He did, he said 1k rwhp with room to spare, that means he's willing shell out.....lol

 

[sculptor310]

I should clarify - I'm NOT shooting for a 'safe' 1k rwhp build. Looking for a safe ~850rwhp build that has some headroom towards 900rwhp if needed. (ie I won't hit 1k rwhp)

Thanks everyone for responding. Please keep it coming.

 

[esacteksab]

I've never met anyone who said "850 is enough". Sleeve the damn block. Pay once, cry once. Do it and get it over with.

 

[esacteksab]

Thus it is decided. you are getting a 7.3L with a Whipple.


Budget is Fake NEWS!

Can I get a 7.3 with a Garrett instead?

 

[Angrey]

I should clarify - I'm NOT shooting for a 'safe' 1k rwhp build. Looking for a safe ~850rwhp build that has some headroom towards 900rwhp if needed. (ie I won't hit 1k rwhp)

Thanks everyone for responding. Please keep it coming.

If that's the case, whatever you have now will suffice. I see no need to go building a block if that's all you're going to ask of it.

 

[Jackson1320]

Can I get a 7.3 with a Garrett instead?

You can but it will cost a lot more.

For a safe 900whp all you need is rods, pistons, opg/cs, secondary timing chains, boss tensioners,head studs, cylinder supports. You will be ready for 1200whp

 

[Jordan @ Lethal]

Ever hear of a 3-2-1 build? Gen 3 short block, Gen 2 heads and Gen 1 timing components. It's a sweet recipe for everyone using gen 1 control systems. You could do basically that except make it a 3-2-2 build. Check out some YouTube vids on the 3-2-1 to get an idea.


https://www.lethalperformance.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=gen+3+short+block

 

[Jackson1320]

Ever hear of a 3-2-1 build? Gen 3 short block, Gen 2 heads and Gen 1 timing components. It's a sweet recipe for everyone using gen 1 control systems. You could do basically that except make it a 3-2-2 build. Check out some YouTube vids on the 3-2-1 to get an idea.


https://www.lethalperformance.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=gen+3+short+block

That would not be a long lasting safe 900whp combination. It may last for 6 months to a year but not long term. That’s still stock parts.

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