njserrano

I'm looking to build a 393/408 stroker motor. Which block would you prefer...a '69 (9.48) or '94-96 (9.502) F4TE/Roller Block???

I plan on running a hydraulic roller cam, efi, single turbo, 5spd, 9.0:1 comp...

Also, if I use the older block, will I be able to run roller lifters without machinging the lifter bores? Will I have to run a small base/retro cam?

89Ford

I believe all you need to run the cam is retro fit roller lifters and you can use a regular roller cam, but the lifters are more expensive. I personally am all for 94'-up just b/c of the cam selection. I really dont believe the strength is that much of a difference

92civy

NO you will no have to run retrofit lifter with the 69 block.

USE THE 69 BLOCK! Its stronger, and can be using with a roller cam. Get the link bar lifters. Yes they aren't to cheap but is well worth the power it will put down.

89Ford

You can not just use any link bar lifters, they are retrofit lifters.Maybe not all places that sell them, call them retrofit but thats exactly what they are. They arespecificly for non-roller block(hence retrofit).

How much stronger is it? I never heard of anyone splitting a 94-up block either

$500 isnt cheap you got that part right! But what make you think a 69 block makes more power?

OP either way you go, its still an improvement over a 5.0

thunderjet429

hmmm. well i have a 408w and amNOT using the retro kit, as far as blocks go a 69IS stronger than a 94-96... BUT you are limiting yourself with the shorter deck 69 block, witch is why i used a 72 block taller deck allowing me to use a longer rod and still is the heavier nickel block.. but hey, a earlier block is harder to find, and is it that much of a difference? i doubt it.

89Ford

what is you setup, what cam are you running? what lifters?

according to every resource that I read, it says you need special lifters to use the standard 5.0 roller cams otherwise you can end up with an oil pressure drop with high lift. b/c the the lifter bosses are shorter in a non roller block and using regular roller lifters in one can allow oil to come out of the lubricating hole.

S351R13

Bingo.

89Ford

anyone else disagree with me?

thunderjet429

well i have a comp cams xtreme energy street mehanical roller cam #35-773-8 and comp cams super mechanical roller lifters #838-16..... now as he listed using a hydraulic roller i think that you would have to use retro lifter kit #8931-16, but why limit yourself with a hydraulic cam?? mechanical roller makes more power. you are not going to build a 408w cheap... at least not a powerful and reliable one so what's the big deal about spending $586.00 on lifters??? anyone who knows anything about enine building knows the power is made with cylinder heads and camshaft.... why not go mechanical roller??? i got my lifters new off ebay for $204.00 and the camshaft from jegs for $280.00.. the reality is you won't build a motor with a 4 inch stroke and drive it more than 2-3 years without pulling it apart and rebuilding it. many of the parts in my motor were bought at half what the normal person can buy them for and i still have almost $9000.00 in it. so cost is realy cannot be a factor for someone building a serious stroker motor, if it is just build a 351w with a good set of heads and a cam to match your setup you will be happyBUT remember a wise man once said go big or go home.

92civy

What I meant is the roler setup will yeild more power than a non roller setup. The 69 block IS stronger than the Roller blocks. But Ialways thought you can run link barroller liftersin these blocks, and not the retro fit......