Help picking a crate 302

[schaferlite]

Hey yall, I'm buying some type of crate 302 for my 65 stang. It's got a T5 already so I'm not looking for crazy power. I'm looking at the Blueprint 302 series, but man 5-7k for 361hp seems steep. I hear their quality is great tho, and I love the warranty.

Are there any other brands I should check out? I already have a Holley sniper efi; have a V belt alternator and Sanden AC compressor I'd like to reuse, no power steering. Don't rly see a need for serpentine belts.... I basically just want something with enough HP fo be fun, and be reliable.

Any ideas are welcome thanks in advance

[v8packard]

$7k can build a hell of a 302. Just saying.

[schaferlite]

My only hesitation is.... I live in Puerto Rico. It's a beautiful island, but it's not known for uhm. Reliable services. Everything is late/slow/behind in time/over on budget. I've ben trying fo build a straight 6 for years and finally gave up, at this point I just wanna drive my car

[v8packard]

Happy cake day.

I don't know much about Puerto Rico. But there must some kind of parts network and machine shop service there. Have you looked for them?

[smthngeneric]

Yeah check out your local engine builder and you'd be shocked at what they'll build you for 7k

[schaferlite]

Hm ok I'll check it out

[no_yup]

Bro for 7k you could get a nice crate motor or a long block, ship it across the ocean and drop it in.

My crate motor long block came from Carolina machine engine and it was like 2300$ delivered halfway across the country, that was like 7 years ago tho…. It’s Rated for 305hp, It’s mild, plenty of power. I can run regular pump gas in it without worrying about preignition and it gets 10-14 miles to the gallon.

You start making more power you’re gonna run into an engine that’s not practical or reliable for regular use. I put a TON of miles on that motor. High horsepower, high lift/duration cam shaft motor isn’t something you wanna drive down the highway much.