Hey guys, I'd like to start looking at a 351W for my car now that I've got the cash and most of the know-how... but when I'm looking at motors, what are some external visual distinctions that make the 351 what it is as opposed to the 302? I know they look almost exactly alike. thanks.
On the front of the block, where the radiator hose comes from the radiator to the engine, where the little 90 degree neck bolts to the block....the distance from the left bolt for that neck to the top deck where the head bolts on...you wanna focus on this. On a 302, there is very little space there, but on a 351 there is a couple inches because a 351 has taller cylinders. Hope that makes sense.
That's really the easiest, most foolproof way to spot one vs. a 302, you just about can't miss it. Once you've seen them both and get a chance to compare, you'll see that the 351 is a good bit bigger, wider and taller. About the only thing that isnt bigger is the length. I'm sure there are other ways but that's what i look for, hasnt let me down yet.