build a 331

sweet94302 · Mar 31, 2009

hey guys i am looking into building a 331 for my 94gt and would like to hear from guys that have and a basic build and rough estimate HP you have i do autocross so nothing to outrageous just the normal 375 to 450 hp range i am looking into DSS short block and top it off with trick flow goodies any advice would be awesome thanks again and yes i would do a diff tranny. is a 5 spd possibly convert to a 6 as i do drive it alot

95mstng · Mar 31, 2009

a Dss 331 short block (flat top piston with 10.5 comp.) topped off with a set of Afr 185's should make roughly 450 flywheel horseposer, like 390-400 rwhp. as far as transmitions go a t56 out of a 03-04 cobra can be made to work. you would need the bellhousing adapter, modify your crossmember, and a shorter driveshaft. to made the speedo work you will need a converter. d&d performance has ready to go kits.

LAFENATU · Mar 31, 2009

I would look towards coast high performance (CHP) for a short block.

There are people that have never had issues with DSS but I have also heard bad things.

Paul · Mar 31, 2009

What class are you running in Autocross, and what are your existing mods?

How much money do you have for this project? Are you doing the work yourself or paying a shop?

Trickflow.GT · Apr 1, 2009

Dont waste your money with DSS or a 331. Build a 347 topped off with canfield 195's and a custom cam. You will not regret it. Also go visit sbftech.com and talk to woody about building you a motor. He does great work and is highly recomended.

Also do proper research before building anything. There is a lot of internet hype about 331's and most of it is not true.

The same holds for AFR heads...They are a great head, theres no denying that, but there are definately alternative options that will get you closer to your goals.

Nick

sweet94302 · Apr 1, 2009

thanks guys i thought about the 347 so is a toss up i guess for the money yes would be roughly the same and i would do most of the work myself i have thought about ordering a long block but would rather save the money and put it together myself i have a couple other friends that have done that and 1 that owns a speed shop here in town so not to worried as for the money paul im looking at about 5 to 6 thousand or so so i dont need anything super fancy i do favor the 331 as if built right it will rev higher than the 347 so i have heard and i didnt race last year as a leaking rear main. i think it was b stock was up against vets and evos and sti's cause i have bigger brakes and mostly a full but cheaper suspension. eibach springs kyb 2s shocks struts and a steeda rear sway bar. also a full ignition and a cat back. i have just started getting into it tho and now we are going through SCCA rules so i need to check all those.
some may ask y autocross but the thrill is different than drag. and is legal. i basically want enough to keep up with all the new shit and handle better but still get 23 or so + gas milage as i do drive it alot on the interstates.

LAFENATU · Apr 1, 2009

If autocross is your thrill...I wouldn't even worry about doing a stroker.

Do a 306 with a good set of heads, custom cam, and intake.

My recommendation is AFR 165 or 185, Holley Systemax intake, and a custom cam from Ed Curtis @ FTI.

Suspension wise, sell what you have and invest in the maximum motorsports road & track box. It comes with everything you need, and quality is top notch.

.02

sweet94302 · Apr 2, 2009

i have thought about that idea but i figured to build a 331 would cost about the same as a 306 is the reason i would look into a 331 and the benefit of more torque cause i would do all new internals i have thought about saying screw it all and build a sbf 427 and have fun but that is a conversation for another time

duh09 · Apr 4, 2009

Id def get more involved in your suspension setup. A package from MM would be a great setup. After you get all that put in, then I'd start looking at motor stuff.