Dart 331 or Production 408W

[WhiteSN95]

Hey guys, I am going to start to gather all the parts that I am going to be putting on for a re-build. I was thinking of going with a Dart based 331 or a production 351w with a 408w stroker. I know it costs money to convert over to the 351w which is why I am not going with the Dart for the 408w. The 331 Dart will still be a little more expensive then everything in the conversion but the price differene is small enough I can go with the Dart. I plan on running AFR 185 heads and a Vortech S trim. I have everything else I need, just have to get the heads. What path would you guys go with? I know there has been a 302 vs 351 based discussion before, but here it is more specifically a Dart based 331 vs a production based 351w. Any input is appreciated as I know it is going to cost some good amount of money to do it right, so I want to get some others perspective before I open up the checkbook.

 

[302GTS]

I'd say go for the Dart, because the block would be able to handle a good amount more than stock blocks, although I'm not sure what the production 351w blocks are good for power wise. A turbocharged Dart 331 is the setup I may be going for in a couple years!

 

[BlackVert]

how much power can a dart take? if i remember correctly, a late 60s/early 70s 351 block with forged internals can take up to about 800 horses at the crank or so

the thing about a 408 as opposed to a 331 is that with the 408, the extra cubes should provide a good bit more power before the blower kicks in, and then when the blower does kick in, it the extra cubes let it take in more compressed air, so it should make alot more power than a 331

 

[revhead347]

408W hands down.

Kurt

 

[302GTS]

how much power can a dart take? if i remember correctly, a late 60s/early 70s 351 block with forged internals can take up to about 800 horses at the crank or so

the thing about a 408 as opposed to a 331 is that with the 408, the extra cubes should provide a good bit more power before the blower kicks in, and then when the blower does kick in, it the extra cubes let it take in more compressed air, so it should make alot more power than a 331

Wow, I had no idea production 351's could take that much. The darts I've seen that are entry-level are good to around 600 I believe.

 

[revhead347]

a good factory 351W will handle AFR 185s and a blower easy. And it's going to make more power than the 331. There is no comparison the way I see it. Now, if you were trying to push the max out of a 302 based engine in a specific class with a displacement restriction, I could see getting the Dart 331. But for a street car, there is no question.

Kurt

 

[WhiteSN95]

Thanks for the replies. This is going to be primarily a street car. My target area is 550rwhp and something that is able to drive on the street. It will see the track a few times to see what it can do but other then that, I will drive it in the spring through fall as a weekend car. (probably put on 1500 miles a year or so). I just wasn't sure if the production 351 would be a good candidate for this or not. I appreciate the input.

 

[revhead347]

550rwhp sounds like a good plan, and that is a solid combination for attaining it.

Kurt