Building a 302 / 3.00" stroke / 8,500 RPM, V-8 Car Options

[drive-ability]

I have started gathering parts to build a large journal 302. This is the engine this car needs to really work. The 350 is made to move a truck, where as a 302 makes the best balance of HP and torque. Ya the parts are expensive about 3 times the cost of a 350 but you only live once. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I'll keep you V-8 guys posted!

[drive-ability]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) Well I chickened out (IMG:style_emoticons/default/drunk.gif) Looking at the cost was one factor but mostly I built this car to be a nice driver. For now I am going with a G.M. crate long block and use my heads and a different cam. This will cost under 2K and work perfect for everyday driving. I will however be sourcing the other parts for the 302 and maybe in a year or so it will be ready. You guys know and have said 8k is hard on a small block and can get expensive. Funny thing is my wife is all for it but I had to draw the line for now... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon8.gif)

[3liter914-6]

For now I am going with a G.M. crate long block and use my heads and a different cam. This will cost under 2K and work perfect for everyday driving.

If you're going to dump the heads and the cam from the longblock, for under $2K you can build a pretty bitchen short block (assuming you are willing to assemble). $3-400 will get you a ready to build 2 or 4 bolt block. Throw in an Eagle/Scat nodular steel crank, forged rods, a set of hypers, and you've got a shortblock rated for 7K/500hp.

$400 Block
$200 Scat 9000 Comp crankshaft
$250 Eagle SIR I-beam rods
$250 Speed Pro flat-top hypereutectic pistons
$100 Piston Rings
$100 Bearings
$175 Balancing
$400 misc (seals, timing gear, oil pump, pushrods, gaskets, shipping)
_________
$1875

You can match or beat these prices on eBay, and get better deals by checking Chevy forums.

I had this exact combo in my Volvo with an LT4 HOTcam and a set of AFR 195CC cylinder heads. I never got a chance to fully tune it*, but it was very smooth, and certainly capable of 400hp once I got the timing sorted. It had great low end power (pushing 1000lbs less I'm sure it'd be even better), and a really nice top end that came on around 3.5K and pulled like crazy to ~6.5K. Your valvetrain is going to be the limiting factor in how high you can rev it.

*it ate a lifter at 300 miles (damn Comp Rs), and the bearings are shot. While it's down I'm throwing in a set of Mahle PowerPak pistons and a forged Eagle 3.50" crank. The valvetrain is getting a set of beehive springs & LS7 lifters, as I originally didn't expect to make power beyond 6K.