Onelildude
forum member
I could do a FRPP B53 for close to what it would cost to build (pistons, rods, machining and misc parts) my stock motor (2010 4.6 - 96K miles). What would the pro's/con's of building vs buying be?
I have the ability to build and the time to do it...not in a rush, but why would i build mine when i can buy a bigger better one?
I have the ability to build and the time to do it...not in a rush, but why would i build mine when i can buy a bigger better one?
Biggest advantage for the B53 is displacement. Its 15% or 43 ci bigger. Thats roughly 70 hp more just from displacement. Which means I can spin the supercharger slower and make less heat for the same 600 hp.
This, I would go 5.3 in a second if it wasn't for the extra weight.The biggest disadvantage to the B53 is cast iron which I'm guessing is 75 lbs heavier than the alum 4.6. Why the hell is Ford making aluminum 351's and cast iron modulars??? If the B53 was alum, I'd already have one.
I would go 5.3 in a second if it wasn't for the extra weight.
I will take a guess and say it has something to do with thinner cylinder walls associated with boring out a mod motor.
In regards to a 326 stroker for the stock block? Agreed. But I question why the bigger blocks aren't aluminum. I'm no expert though.
You want the cammer block. They run about $5k just for the block and they are known to not like boost too much. IIRC JDM had or still has a few of the blocks for sale.
The Big Bore Boss block weighs about 70 pounds more than the stock 3v aluminum block plus you have to use motor mount adapters that add a few pounds.
I don't think it makes much difference (the weight). You can build a stock 3v to hold about as much power as you want to make. Nobody knows how much a Big Bore block is going to hold. I was able to make about 585rwhp with 7-8psi of boost with my 322 cubic inch motor. That was with a conservative tune and e85. To make those same numbers with a stock displacement 3v it took about 15-16psi and e85 with 9.5 compression and about 12psi with 11:1 and cnc heads.
IMO the big bore really shines with an na application. For a boosted application all you really need is more boost to make more power, i.e. the boost makes up for displacement and mod motors love boost.
If you are looking for insane power numbers then the stock block is the one you want to build.
How in the world is building your own block going to cost the same as a FRPP block? You are starting with your own block and adding pistons, rods, and maybe a crank along with rings and bearings. Machine work usually runs me $1100 if I have to have the deck surfaced along with a bore, hone, ring fitting, crank polish, balance, etc. If it's just a hone, rings, and balance the bill is around $600.
Worst case I'm seeing you spending $3000 total but probably less depending. Is FRPP selling the 5.3 for $3000?