1985 mustang GT

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by tjg4036

As far as running in stock or super stock is it worth the expense to get the correct 1985 HO engine block? Another member on this site told me other year 302 blocks are excepted so would the correct block really be worth it

No need to look for a 85 block, all the 85 and newer Mustang 5.0 blocks have the provisions for the lifter retainer system used with the hydraulic roller lifters. If you don`t mind spending the $$$ there are a couple of aftermarket blocks that are NHRA accepted for Stock. Much sturdier, although not really a big concern for a low HP Stocker, but the thicker cylinder walls are a good thing to have if you plan to go with the max allowable bore size that NHRA allows. Of course some of these aftermarket blocks weigh 25-30 pounds more than a factory block. The factory 5.0 blocks tend to split around 450-500 HP eventually. I have a 331 SB Ford in my low 10 second bracket car, with a 4 speed, a few years ago, during teardown, we found a cracked main cap and cracks in the main webbing, after several years of racing.Bear in mind, this was with hundreds of 6600 RPM clutch dump launches, an automatic may well be a bit easier on the block.