i have a 5.0 (302) block out of a 93 thunderbird, im going to rebuild, i want to bore it to a 306, i cant find the right kit from summit, i have a set of 351W heads that i am going to get worked, i need a kit from summit for about 8.5-1 comp ratio... i have hooker long tubes, with a B&M 144 miniblower, i just want a bottom end that is going to handle about 10 LBS of boost with no problem... any suggestions would be great!! thanks,

 

i highly doubt if your gonna find low compression pistons in a kit, unless its for a boost app already but usually when guys build a boost motor they opt for custom pistons for whatever comp ratio they need. i dont know about other guys here but id really be sure you have a stout bottom end, as in steel crank good h-beam rods, forged pistons, just to make sure it holds together for ya. 10 pounds isnt all that much but in case you want to jump up to more boost in the future you know you have a motor that can take it. just some advice on the heads,by the time you get done with them cash wise, youd be better off buyinga good set of aftermarket heads that will outflow the windsor heads for about the same price. good luck should be tons of fun when done!

 

I would also safe the money for a GOOD set of aluminum heads. They have thicker deck surfaces to keep the heads from lifting, and blowing a head gasket. Use ARp head studs also. Go to a machine shop and see if they tell you how to torque them down. Believe it or not, most people don't know how to torque bolts correctly.
Rebuild your stock motor with ARP rod bolts in the rods, and use a decent fordged piston. The stock rods are fordged, and the block will check out long before the crank will. that will teake 10 psi for ever with a good tune on it.

 

I did my 347 from a 5.0
8.5 :1 compression AFR 185 heads. Worth every penny!
I have a 289 for my 65fb im seriously thinking pulling my GT 40 heads and putting a set of the 185 AFR's.

 

Yeah, you're better off getting good aluminum heads and forged pistons. The stock crank is rediculously strong, and unless you plan on routinely turning over 7,000rpm there's not much need to worry. The block will fail before the crank will, provided it's balanced well. So, get it balanced well.