• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

???351w or 347????

  • Thread starter Thread starter 67staaang
  • Start date Start date Dec 31, 2006
6

67staaang

Member
Mar 30, 2005
132
0
16
Dec 31, 2006
#1
  • Dec 31, 2006
  • #1
Hey guys i am having trouble deciding whether to start building up a 351w or a 347. Im not looking to do much strip racing, but i plan on going to get my times and all. It is mostly going to be driven on the street but im looking to get roughly 450hp to the wheels. what block and parts would you guys recommend to get me there? i currently have afr 185 heads that i want to use, is it possible to work around those heads to get 450 to the wheels? let me know if any more info is needed.. im a newb at this just trying to gain more info.. thanks again guys..:SNSign:
 
A

A67auto

New Member
Jul 21, 2003
24
0
1
Sacramento,CA
Dec 31, 2006
#2
  • Dec 31, 2006
  • #2
I vote for the 351. You can go larger later if you feel the need.
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jan 1, 2007
#3
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #3
n/m
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jan 1, 2007
#4
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #4
450 hp at the rear wheels is quite a handful to drive on the street. Actually anything over 300 will be fun and much more is not really needed for a pure street car.

Although 450 rear hp can be done with either engine, I would opt for the 351w.

A properly built 347 is certainly capable of meeting your HP goals, but you really wouldn't have any margin for error. At 450hp, the 302 block would be at the end of it's strength capability and could split unless you purchase an aftermarket block. Your goals really don't support the $2k cost of such a block.

A 351w on the other hand, will easily handle your goals in strength and durability, most are good to at least 600hp. Properly built, it will also make 450hp at a much lower RPM than the 347 and have gobs of torque at lower speeds. The 351w will fit your 67' engine bay nicely without needing an expensive set of swap headers. They are a little heavier than a 347, but still not enough to warrant the aftermarket block.

The AFR 185's would be suitable for 450hp on a base 351w. Match them with a custom cam, a Victor Jr. intake, a 750dp Holley, and a 3:50 rear gear and you will have a nice street combo with good driveability. If you want more motor, you could stroke the 351w to a 408 or a 418 and make gobs of power. In that case, you would need more head to get the most out of the engine.
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Jan 1, 2007
#5
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #5
Do a 351. No reason for a 347 in a 67 when there's room there for a big block to start with. A good block to start with is a 94-up F4TE casting. This is the only roller cam ready 351 block.
 
B

bnickel

Founding Member
Aug 21, 2002
5,640
3
77
lubbock, texas
Jan 1, 2007
#6
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #6
450hp at the wheels is going to be pushing 550-600 at the crank. it's doable but won't be very friendly on the street, just keep that in mind
 

washMO66

Founding Member
Oct 30, 2001
1,000
0
37
Washington, MO
Jan 1, 2007
#7
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #7
351W without question for all the reasons stated above.

I am struggling right now because I am trying to plan a new build for my 66 and while I want to go 351W block so I can stroke to 408 /410 I have a whole boatload of nice 302 / 347 parts.

PS - Dennis - I see you have accufab 1 3/4" headers, does anyone make a step header for a 65-66 351W? Say 1 7/8 to 2"? That is another reason I am thinking of just getting a Dart shortblock for my 347 and putting a Pro-charger on it or a big hit of Nitrous as opposed to doing the 408 / 410...
 

dennis112

15 Year Member
May 15, 2005
1,561
36
79
Amish Wonderland of Central PA.
Jan 1, 2007
#8
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #8
washMO66 said:
PS - Dennis - I see you have accufab 1 3/4" headers, does anyone make a step header for a 65-66 351W? Say 1 7/8 to 2"?
Click to expand...

I don't know of any for a 65-66 351w with stock shock towers. I would say that nobody makes them because the transition from the header flange to the tube is too close to the shock tower to have a tube larger than 1 7/8". Really the 1 3/4"ers are pushing the limit due to the sudden bend required. Notch or remove those shock towers and you will open your car up to a world of possibilities.
 

nosub4cid66

New Member
Dec 31, 2006
12
0
1
Cedar Springs, MI
Jan 1, 2007
#9
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #9
go with the 351w, everything being equal as far as type of pistons, rods, and crank, the 351w is a beefier and stronger engine. You also have the option to go even bigger like 393 or even 400+cid!!! I'm putting one in a 66 with a smaller engine bay and I think it's totaly worth it, in a 67 it will fit no problem, after all your car can have an FE big block without any problems.
 
6

67staaang

Member
Mar 30, 2005
132
0
16
Jan 1, 2007
#10
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #10
yea I think I'm really leaning towards a 351w. what internals would you guys recommend that would match my afr185s? I am thinkin victor jr for intake? comp cams? would I have to put in better suspension parts? thanks again guys
 

Max Power

Active Member
Jul 31, 2003
1,774
1
36
St Paul
Jan 1, 2007
#11
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #11
67staaang said:
yea I think I'm really leaning towards a 351w. what internals would you guys recommend that would match my afr185s? I am thinkin victor jr for intake? comp cams? would I have to put in better suspension parts? thanks again guys
Click to expand...

Stroker internals. Get a 408 kit and enjoy gobs of torque.

Suspension parts? Yah. Better brakes, stronger diff, better seats and lap belts, beefier trans, the list is endless. You cant push 500hp through equipment meant for half that and expect satisfactory results.
 

Edbert

Founding Member
Jul 13, 2002
3,548
32
109
Austin TX
Jan 1, 2007
#12
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #12
The only advantages of the 289/302 engine is size/weight (not a big deal in a 67-70 on either account), and their increased ability to rev over the 351W. One thing that makes the 351W so strong is the hige mains, but they also make it not like high RPMs, so with both engines making 450hp there'll be a ~1,000 to 1,500RPM difference in where they make the power. One is better suited to the track (strip or road), one is more suited to the street.

I put a stock-stroked 351W in my 67 for those reasons, but am planning on more like 420fwhp. Also fun to think it weighs about the same as the 289 it replaced.
 

67Dylan

New Member
May 11, 2006
259
0
0
Phoenix, AZ
Jan 1, 2007
#13
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #13
dennis112 said:
450 hp at the rear wheels is quite a handful to drive on the street. Actually anything over 300 will be fun and much more is not really needed for a pure street car.

Although 450 rear hp can be done with either engine, I would opt for the 351w.

A properly built 347 is certainly capable of meeting your HP goals, but you really wouldn't have any margin for error. At 450hp, the 302 block would be at the end of it's strength capability and could split unless you purchase an aftermarket block. Your goals really don't support the $2k cost of such a block.

A 351w on the other hand, will easily handle your goals in strength and durability, most are good to at least 600hp. Properly built, it will also make 450hp at a much lower RPM than the 347 and have gobs of torque at lower speeds. The 351w will fit your 67' engine bay nicely without needing an expensive set of swap headers. They are a little heavier than a 347, but still not enough to warrant the aftermarket block.

The AFR 185's would be suitable for 450hp on a base 351w. Match them with a custom cam, a Victor Jr. intake, a 750dp Holley, and a 3:50 rear gear and you will have a nice street combo with good driveability. If you want more motor, you could stroke the 351w to a 408 or a 418 and make gobs of power. In that case, you would need more head to get the most out of the engine.
Click to expand...

That pretty much sums it up IMO
 

67Dylan

New Member
May 11, 2006
259
0
0
Phoenix, AZ
Jan 1, 2007
#14
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #14
Max Power said:
Stroker internals. Get a 408 kit and enjoy gobs of torque.

Suspension parts? Yah. Better brakes, stronger diff, better seats and lap belts, beefier trans, the list is endless. You cant push 500hp through equipment meant for half that and expect satisfactory results.
Click to expand...

Yeah, replacing broken parts is no fun either. Most of us have been there, done that. So much HP is going to cost, but is most enjoyable when complete.
 

68keyblr

20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 17, 2003
946
20
49
Arizona
Jan 1, 2007
#15
  • Jan 1, 2007
  • #15
+1 for 408 or 418 stroked 351 w. You will get the power you want with less radical cam and valvetrain, which means less maintenance and more reliability for the street.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
347 advice
  • CRonaldo773
  • Jan 27, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
254
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 28, 2026
2000xp8
351W/5.8 EFI intake manifolds fading away...
  • Ryno5150
  • Jan 13, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
504
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 7, 2026
nickyb
S
Holley High-ram tuning settings
  • spencergt66
  • Apr 1, 2026
  • Digital Self-tuning Forum
  • 2
Replies
28
Views
492
Digital Self-tuning Forum Friday at 2:00 PM
spencergt66
S
9
Does anyone else have a combo close to this
  • 90Stanger302
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
233
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 25, 2025
Qtrhrse23
Q
S
Block questions
  • s_vargas54
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
641
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 8, 2026
Trogdor
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?