331 in a 83 GT

[micachu]

Yo guys. I'm trying to get some research and planning done for a 331 stroker build on my 83. I've picked out a road course suspension that I want to throw under the car, so that's the route I'll be taking. I'm shooting for about 400-450 horses to the ground with a nice broad set of power/torque curves. I'm keeping it carb'd, just for poops n giggles. I might throw on the Edelbrock throttle body EFI down the road sometime. Anyway, here's what I've come up with so far.


Forged 331 crank, forged rods & pistons, moly total seal rings, clevite tri-metal bearings in a block prepped and built by Fox Lake. I'm leaning towards a set of ported AFR 185's and a E303 cam, I might do something a little wilder with the cam, not real sure yet. I have no clue what intake manifold would be best for that setup. Right off the bat I'm thinking a Performer RPM. I've already got a brand new world class T5 transmission and a Center force clutch in the car.

I know at some point I'll be doing a 5 lug conversion on all 4 corners and a rear disc swap also. The rear axle needs to be replaced too, it was a NY car until 5 years ago and all the suspension components, including the axle housing have some significant pitting corrosion. I think a 8.8 would do just fine with a set of 31 spline half shafts stuffed in there.


Now my whole point for the post...

Am I going about this all wrong, should I be looking soemwhere else for a motor? Should I think about a different set of heads, cam and intake?

[WEBMASTER]

Not sure if you've seen this since its in the sn95 section on the corral, but there's some good combo's listed... http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=840509

I would however, with the amount that you're going to be putting into this, consider a custom cam. The good side effect of this is they can also help you decide on the proper head, intake and compression that's right for your application.

[CAMELEON]

It is late this year, are you down here yet?

[Paulman]

Sounds nice to me although I recommend EFI and agree with Noah that an E cam would hold you back with those heads. Custom ground is the way to go for this much effort. Edelbrock intake is OK - consider the RPMII.

[micachu]

EFI would be a huge undertaking on this car, new tank, pump, lines, manifold, ECU, harness, O2's. In time I think I will go that route, but right now I have a lot more than just a motor to do in this car.

I've been considering a custom grind cam the last day. I just don't know though since it's going to be quite a while from the time the motor is put in until I put a blower on it.

[dan50]

Stick with the carb dude.

I'm planning on doing a similar buildup in my 91 (putting one of my Clevelands in my 83... just haven't bought the 83 yet).

It used to be that the 331s gave you a better rod ratio and less strain on the cylinders compared to the early 347s, but that's been addressed over the past several years, so now there's really no reason to chose a 331 over a 347 (unless you're going for 800 hp and the rod ratio really matters). But a 347 with AFR 185s, a 650 cfm Holley, Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE282HR camshaft, and an F4B intake with long tube headers and true duals will put you in the 450 hp range.

There are several great build ups on the Air Flow Research web site

http://www.airflowresearch.com/

Dan

[micachu]

What about the oil consumption issues with 347's? As far as I know there's still no one that makes pistons with the wrist pin openings that don't interfere with the oil ring lands.


The plan has changed somewhat, I'm not going for the block prepped by Fox Lake, I can get a Scat rotating assembly and a Sportsman block for way less than what they want for it. I know between me and my dad, we can do it right the first time. I have no clue how many engines he's built over the years and the 3 that I've built with him are still holding strong even after over a decade of use.

[1redcat]

IMO i would go with a 351 based stroker.for one you will have more cubes than a 302 based motor and more torque.a friend of mine has a non stroked 351 w afr heads and cam and will run away from a 347.don't get me wrong 331's will make some power,but the money you put into a 351 you will be ahead of the game.plus another example. i have a 351 in my merc with a little cam and 3.55'sw/ an aod.another pal has a 306 with ported heads and 4.10's.i kill him every time.:leghump:

[micachu]

I just found a guy in Charleston that builds and sells 351's for about 3200 bucks. I'm seriously considering that route now. That's almost a grand cheaper than I can buy the parts and assemble the 331 for.

[FoxChassis]

Oil control issues in 347s had to do with clearances and not with the oil control ring land intersecting the piston pin's bore. I say "had" because this oil control issue was years ago when this 3.4" stroke started becoming popular.

A 351W is a fine choice, and the block itself is more resilient than a 302 block. It's also heavier. You will need 351W-specific oil pan and headers for a Fox Mustang and 351W accessory bracket (AC/PS), distributor, and (lower) intake manifold. If EFI, a 351W engine-mounted fuel rail or crossover tube is also required. Hood clearance may be an issue too, although the factory '83 GT/early '84 GT/Turbo GT hood scoop will give some back if the hood is cut open beneath it. I recommend moving the engine rearward.