Block choice

[71roadrunnersassy]

Was after peoples insight into what would be a good block for my roadrunner. Is it worth trying to find a good used x block or are the r blocks a better choice as they are newer?
As I have read something about their chemical aging being different but not sure how correct or true it is? Any help would be great

 

[Belvedere]

I would think any "good" block is good. When I was looking around I eventually stumbled upon a R1A 48*, W2 heads and all recently rebuilt oval track setup. Don't know what you have down there but that's what I would look for. Built short block or complete engine.

 

[71roadrunnersassy]

Ah ok and the main problem is there isn't anything down here to buy or I just can't find it as I don't know where to look. I want to build the engine the way I like and I wanna make around 650hp so I would rather have a race block over a standard one. I've heard x blocks are a great block and may even be better than any r block?
I also found a set of unused w5 heads for sale for $2000 and would love those but is that a good deal or to pricey and how hard are they to find?

 

[Belvedere]

I guess I should have specified any "good" race block should be fine. X block would be great. I found that R1A engine after looking for awhile at circle track type sales. Maybe you have a local racer connection? Maybe a local club you can check out? The X block came out a long time ago late 70's early 80's I believe. So as a used block just make sure everything checks out; overbore etc. May have some mods that make it a pain in the butt to assemble. That's why I went the route I did. Preassembled, dyno run, but I already know what to change to make it streetable. Lower comp w/ head gasket change, swap the cam, and port the heads. 550hp as it stands now. More once it's ported.
I have no experience w/ W5s. But personally I'd go with W9s. Newer head, easier to source parts. Good luck!

 

[Supershafts]

2k for W-5's are good, and very good depending which W-5.

Were are you looking to make power and run will point what block you need? 600hp and drag or 600hp and oval/road or more or street ?

 

[71roadrunnersassy]

2k for W-5's are good, and very good depending which W-5.

Were are you looking to make power and run will point what block you need? 600hp and drag or 600hp and oval/road or more or street ?

The w5's were purchased in 2004 so from what I have heard these were less likely to have water problems and are more reliable although these have never been used so I guess would be hard to know. Do have the flow figures as they have been ported as well: 290cfm @ .650.
The plans are street and more of a road racing set up but will take to drags to see what time can get when built. Want a high revving engine so 4 bolt mains would be important and stock 340 blocks aren't able to have them?