I am planning a build for my other toy. I plan to build a stormed 302 making 331 cubic inches and EFI. Right now I am starting the planning phase. I know we have a lot of carb'd 302's and some EFI ones in this forum, and we are not afraid to tear I to our engines here, so I come to you for advice and ideas.

My basic plan is to build a high torque 331 small block to put I front of a ZF5 and convert to 4x4. I know the ZF is tough, but I need to know what my torque limit is on it.

What I would most like your input on is the top end of the engine. I'm looking for heads, rockers, lifters, cam, and intake suggestions. What kind of specs should I look for? I am leaning heavily toward Trick Flow for a lot of these parts, as I have seen a few articles on heads, and the best torque is coming from Trick Flow heads. I want this build to idle well, and still push at least 300ft-lbs. I'm not a familiar with the Windsor blocks as I am with the 335's, so expect more questions down the line.

As to the block, I have found a reasonably priced short block that already has the 331 kit in it, and will start saving up for it now.

 

You're not going to break a ZF5 with a 331.

Why not build a 393 though? 351w with a stroker crank and 302 pistons.

 

Figment issues might ensue, mainly due to the Nissan having a smaller engine bay. It was designed for an overhead cam 4 or 6, so I have lateral room, but not as much vertical room.


I still want it streets able, not pure off road. In AZ and a lot of states/counties, they won't even check it when I register, so I'll be street legal.

 

The ZF is rated for ~425 ft-lbs, so I agree with David that you won't break it with a 331. in fact, I don't think my 400 is going to break my ZF as the tires won't have that much traction.

 

I did email Trick Flow about my plan and they suggested this kit:
350+ Top End Kit

What do you guys think?

 

I like the idea of a complete kit that should be well thought out.

 

I looked at it on Summit, and it includes all hardware, fasteners, and gaskets for the top end. It even has the timing gears. The short block I want has all the bearings, including cam bearings. The Billet Specialties serpentine kit has the front cover and fasteners. This just leaves the oil pan, associated gasket, fasteners and oil pump. Well, at least for the engine. I'd still need a wiring harness and ECU, but three kits get me to 95% completion. I like this idea. The flywheel and clutch should be new purchases, then I junkyard a ZF, and fab the mounts. Those will be a small challenge. Wiring will be my biggest headache.

 

Sounds like a fun project.

 

What year Nissan is it? I got several of my engine swaps stomped on by the local inspectors who would not pass them. My daughter lives near Phoenix and they will not even pass her car if the check engine light is on. Technically that rules applies here also but I carefully plan on where I take it. Is that what you are going to do?

The neatest thing with one of these swaps is putting a nice dual exhaust on it, but that tips them off right away.

 

If you want to maximize torque then you need to maximize displacement so if you don't end up getting that 331 opt for a 347 kit instead. I like the TrickFow kit except for the cam, IMO it's got about 10deg too much duration across the board for a max torque build at this displacement, that is typical of course as they advertise it based on how much horsepower it makes not how much torque. Substitute a cam like the Comp 35-320-8 and the motor should make the same peak HP(or very close) but will now have a broader/flatter torque curve with a lot more grunt below 3000rpm.

 

The Nissan is an 04 Xterra. In Az and Tx only select counties have emissions standards. I may be in one, but inspection and registration are done at different places. I have a place to pass the X after the swap. As long as everything is running smooth, TX does not care as much. In my hometown, and the previous duty location, they don't even check emissions stuff. A lot of shady shops here will sell you a passed emissions sticker. It may be wrong, but sometimes a built engine will be cleaner than a smogged engine because it's air to fuel ratio is kept closer to the ideal of 14.7.

Paul- I'll look into the cam.

All- any suggestion for lifters? The kit does not include those.

 

Are you going roller or flat-tappet?

 

Hydraulic roller.

 

Here's what Tim recommended for me:

 

If you started with a roller block you would not need any fancy lifters like the above.