Building a rugged bottom end. HELP.

[cawcislo]

Need advice on what to do to build a solid bottom end. Tired of my old motor and want to build something that will take my abuse and last. I'm looking to use forged pistons, stock t2 rods, don't know if I should o-ring the block or not. As for the block I was wondering if I could use an 89 common block from a non turbo. The only thing I'd have to alter is drill a hole for the oil return from the turbo. I could also use the cast crankshaft. I've heard the forged t2 one is overkill and much heavier. Anyone have tips on pistons to use, any other tips to ensure this motor lasts and puts up with my abuse. Oh, ARP headbolts or studs? unsure. Arp rod bolts for sure. Are the stock main bolts okay to use or should other bolts be used. Thanks.

[ROCKHILL]

sounds like a nonturbo block 89 up will work. i see gdonavan is selling a set of t2 rods(used). there are people here that know more than i, but i think the popular thing is to go 2.5. all you need to change is pistons and crank. question, who likes torque? umm i do!

[The Hog]

I am putting well over 300HP to the ground with a cast 2.5 crank and no problems. I am using a common block, MP billet caps with main studs (total overkill), T2 rods with arp bolts, polished beams along with no bronze bushing, custom Wiseco pistons with SBC wrist pins (hence no bushing in the rods), and an O-ring job.

I build the shortblock to handle about anything I could throw at it, and so far it has done just that. 18PSI + 80HP of spray and it is still like new inside.

[Tim_K]

I've got a set of floating pin T2 rods here if you want them. And some "almost new (500 miles or so)" 2.5 turbo pistons in standard bore. Maybe $80 for the rods and pistons.

[Shelby85Charger]

What Block is better, 2.5 Common vs. 2.5 Common Turbo TII ?

[glhsken]

There were no "common" block 2.5 TII's. All 2.5's have cast cranks. 2.2 TII both common and pre-common had forged (steel) cranks

[cawcislo]

MP billet caps. Didn't know they made them. Do you have a part number? HOw about the main studs? What brand are they? Are these for a common block application? Please let me know. Thanks.

[The Hog]

I am not sure if MP still makes them or not, it has been quite a while since we bought them. The part number I have in my ancient MP book is P4286770 for the standard caps an P4286771 for the center thrust cap. The main studs are ARP units but I don't know the part number there. As I remember the caps and studs work in common and older style blocks.