[neil_home]

I was hoping for some opinions. I have the chance to get an 85 roller 302 short block. Low miles quick freshen up an buy the extras to put in my 66 Mustang. ( no machining) Or I have a 79 302 truck block that I can have machine work done to. Still have to get good heads and some external parts. Having machine work done here in Connecticut seems to cost about twice what I see on the net for certain procedures. I suspect both scenarios will cost about the same. Any comments on what would be the best way to go? If I could afford big dollars I would just buy a new high output Motorsport motor and be done with it. Help me out, sway me, be bold, give me some ideas.

 

[Ray_Hillebrand]

I probably would go with the roller motor. I have a 5.0 in my 71 and love it. Basically you are getting the same motor in either case but the roller sounds a like its in a little better shape...

 

[papacito]

x

 

[Guest]

Don't know what you plan for the car but I'd go for the roller mill, maybe a bit more potential?

 

[Art]

The 85 roller block is the way to go.... A roller camshaft is a much more refined and up to date piece than the old "flat tappet" camshafts of 25 years ago.... A roller camshaft can give you more performance without sacrificing idle and low end power.

Another thing to consider is the superior one piece rear main seal.... Not 100% sure, but don't think a one piece rear main seal was used until 1980...

 

[neil_home]

This is a short block with a roller cam and lifters. The thing is I would have to find a flywheel,new crank balancer, and a clutch pivot conersion. Plus the same stuff I would have to get for the other one. Sorry short block , with roller cam.

 

[GypsyR]

Hmmm, If you go with the roller block you'll have to change to the bigger balance weight on the balancer and flywheel. The truck block is 28oz, so you wouldn't have to change that stuff. You could always put a roller kit in the truck block-$ though. If the 5.0 is in good shape you might be able to reuse the pistons. Seems like 5.0's used forged pistons starting in 85 or 86-somebody knows for sure. The roller cam and (maybe) forged pistons might tip the balance in the 5.0's favor. Or did I just make the decision more complicated?

 

[papacito]

What is your goal: weekend warrior, daily driver, modified or racer? As other posters have written; "There's more power w/roller cam technology." If keeping costs under control is Priority 1 then use the 78 block. A roller cam conversion kit is NOT cheap. Good luck.

 

[neil_home]

I have been caught. I am cheap. My goal is to get more bang for the buck. Of course factoring in reliability. I should by a new counter weight anyway. So the flywheel and the clutch z-bar pivot should be the only real extras with the 5.0. Its the old "if it costs this much, why not do this" then once the bar is raised you say it again. Before you know it you end up broke with a fuel injected 393 stroker and a 5 speed.

 

[papacito]

I hear you loud and clear about minimizing financial damages. Great idea: fuel-injected 393 stroker and 5-speed!