Anyone running a 351 in a 65/66?

MustangSteve has a 351W in a '66 with AC, PS, and PB!

I should have said 351W.

A 351w fits nicely in a 65/66 engine bay. As mentioned, the main (and most expensive) problems are headers and getting adequate cooling. Many items from a 289 will work on the 351w. Transmission, bellhousing, flywheel/flexplate, timing cover, water pump, balancer, pulleys, and motor mounts can all be used (assuming that the belhousing is a later 65' or newer 6 bolt unit.)

Some things are different, such as the brackets for the alternator, and AC unit. Very few of the actual engine parts are interchangeable, except for items such as cams, lifters, and heads.

I bought custom headers to make the swap. Actually tins is the second 351w swap I have done. Nearly all headers will have some interference with the shock towers due to the close quarters so don't expect them to slide right in with out a little modification to the tubes or the towers.

As far as cooling goes, I first used a 20" radiator from a 67' AC stang. It was barely adequate and would overheat in summer. To solve the problem, I upgraded to a 24" radiator which works very well. Aluminum alternatives also might do you well.

Unless you are planning on adding a hood scoop, you are limited to running a low rise manifold like an RPM or Stealth. A Vic Jr. is out of the question as it sits too high in the engine compartment. Spark plug changes are really fairly easy compared to many factory mass produced V8 vehicles in the 70's and 80's.

As far a how it runs, well, you really can't beat the torque from the larger engine. My stroked 393 will light the tires when I punch when rolling at 40 in 3rd gear. Probably more power than what is needed in a daily driver, but it sure is fun. I have no strip time, but hope to get it on the dyno soon.

Heres a few of dennis112's car, if you dont mind.




You have one beautiful car!

19stang66 said:

Heres a few of dennis112's car, if you dont mind.

You have one beautiful car!

Click to expand...

Gee, thank you for the complement!

That is the picture of my old 351w before I added the stroker. Basically my engine compartment still looks the same but I've made many noticeable improvements to the engine compartment like removing that yuchy fuel filter, adding a duraspark distributor, moved the coil to the fender apron, replaced the front apron to use a 24" model radiator, and adding a dual master cylinder.

I really need to break out the camera and update my web page but the weather is so nice and I am having soooooo much fun. . . .

I run a 351w in my 65 coupe. Love the way she responds, and I can break the tires loose from a roll in 2nd and 3rd. It is not as a tight fit as most think, I have Headmans headers 1 3/4 tubes into a 3inch collector. Its close, but they fit, and I put the engine back in the car with the headers on !
Just really wished I would have had them coated..Your deck hieght though will limit your intake choices on a stock hood. I run a stealth, and I fit just fine.

I will probaly dyno this weekend, and I plan on going to morrosso at the next midnight madness even they have. Need to pick up some M/T et streets, as my current tires will never hook.

See my mods in the sig, and here are a few pics.

On the stand..Ugg I should have coated my headers..
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/TyofLor/P1010150.jpg

Its in..
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/TyofLor/P1010152.jpg

Finished
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/TyofLor/P1010155.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/TyofLor/P1010154.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f256/TyofLor/P1010156.jpg

Btw: That is NOT my Honda !!

Well, mine should be here in another week or two. Oops, it's a 408W. I've got a lot more room due to the MII front end, but I need some LARGE headers for this car, as it will have an ATI D2 Procharger for boost. My builder is recommending 1 7/8" headers...but I don't know of any. We may end up cutting and welding to get something to fit.

It will be insane fast, that's for sure!

Stangninjak said:

See my mods in the sig, and here are a few pics.

Click to expand...

Verrrrrry niiiiiiice! Did you Dyno it yet?

Just to let you know, Shelby sells an Edelbrock performer RPM that's ported which he uses on his 550 hp 427 windsors. It sells for $250 but you could buy one and do a little port work yourself.


I found it in the same Mustang and Fords article that mdjay's mustang is in. I keep it around just to drool on his car.