351w vs. 347 stroker

Built with similar quality and design parts, the output is virtually the same. Now if you compare a lightweight 347 crank with light rods, etc to a stock crank, stock rod forged piston 351, then that is not apples to apples. I make somewhere around 425 to the tires with my 351. Stock crank, forged pistons. Better cam and converter, streetable combo with same times.

I think the only real advantage to a 347 over a 351 is recip weight. Set a 347 piston beside a 351 piston. Big weight difference there alone. A 347 piston is very short to compensate for the extra stroke. That's great for making power but not great for longevity due to increased piston rock.

With a 351W you have the potential to stroke it to get some serious cubes (408 or more) that can equal some serious power, but it's gonna cost you in terms of weight (block is supposed to weigh around 100lbs more than a 302) and the taller deck height (mandatory hood swap).

Personally, I had wanted to run a built up 393W in my '94 GT, but I have changed my mind to run a 347 for several reasons:

1. I want to autocross this car and increasing front end weight won't help cornering (I'm already planning on a tubular k-member and aluminum heads).
2. I like the idea of a "sleeper" GT and I don't want it to look too different from factory (other than some 17x9 Cobra R's) by a cowl hood (tho i think it looks cool in its own respect)
3. (I know I'm gonna get some flack for this one) As this car is my daily driver (15+K miles/year) and I don't have unlimited income, I'd still like to have lots more power than I need but not be too much worse off at the pump. Yeah, I know I could just do an s/c, t/c, or giggle gas, and get some mileage, but I'm a naturally aspirated kinda guy. Since I can't run slicks on the street (legally) I wan't to chirp 3rd & 4th, but I don't want to have so much power that I'm constantly spinning them.

Sorry for going OT a bit, but just wanted to give you my perspective.

It all comes down to what is your plan for your mustang. Straight line? Corner carver? Knowing what your goal is helps decisions on the way and prevents you from getting disgusted with the project because you could wind up spending more than you want on things you don't "need".

what are the 331 strokers doing , I am probably going this route in the future ....

9 Deuce GT said:

I guess I am wondering if the kinds of #'s 347's are making can be made with a 351w build? The reason I ask, is becuase I don't see a whole lot of guys doing it with a 351w. Most 351w combos you see are just a budget build, (nothing wrong with that, kind of what I'm doing), but I would like to know if the potential is there.

Click to expand...

It can be done definately. Look at NMRA Hot Street class. Cory Roth is running 9 teens with a 358. That's a full on drag car with about every chassis trick available and running high compression with a huge solid roller cam but it can be done. A little milder build for the street would probably be somewhere around what the 347s are putting down give or take. With a 351 block though you get more strength but a little more weight on the nose too.