Hey MF, Well I'm starting to build the engine on my fox, and I had a question. what is the best way to build up an engine? See, Ultimately I want to have a 331 KB blown engine. But, I have to take it one step at a time. So, what parts, order ect would I go about to build it? I ask because, Since a FI stroker would have a very different need in terms of Head porting, cams, ect, than the NA 302, how bad would it be to have say, the heads designed for the FI 331 on the stock 302 until its done? Because wouldn't it have poor performance if I had the FI cams and heads on it with the stock block before I can afford the stroked machined block and blower? so should i buy the parts and just keep them aside until everything is ready? Its hard to put my question in words for some reason right now, but hopefully you guys understand.

 

The very first thing I would recommend is to determine what power level you want out of the engine (keeping in mind it's intended purpose- drag racing, street use, etc.)

Next, make a parts list starting from the bottom of the engine up.

Finally, I would recommend building the engine internals and valve train to be stronger than necessary. What I mean is- if you're building a 550hp engine with a max. rpm of 7000, then buy a rod designed to handle 650hp and balanced to 8000 rpm.

 

I was going to say, build it from the ground up. And you do need to have figures in mind with the build that way you nail everything. You don't want to build it up then forget that you need to upgrade the fuel system or something like that. Plan it out and write it down. At least you already know that you are going FI. I would get a forged small block and start there, then get your heads, cams, intake, upgrade the fuel system, install KB blower, have it all professionally tuned and then have fun.

 

ALWAYS consider what your looking to do first. Start with the bottom end. A good house starts with a good foundation!!

 

OK so should I get the forged shortblock and then build that up out of the car, and not even bother putting like the heads or intake, blower, ect on the 302 in the mean time? Just keep everything aside until EVERYTHING is ready and just drop in the whole new built drive train? Im putting a T56 Magnum in it too somewhere along the line, so just keep that aside and do everything in one shot? also for the fuel, I need 42 injectors, 255 in tank, hi flow fuel rains, and thats it right?