• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Dart 331 or Production 408W

  • Thread starter Thread starter WhiteSN95
  • Start date Start date Jul 9, 2009
W

WhiteSN95

Founding Member
Feb 12, 2002
142
0
16
Jul 9, 2009
#1
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #1
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.
 
3

302GTS

If you need herpes, I'm your man!
Apr 20, 2009
481
2
18
Largo, FL
Jul 9, 2009
#2
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #2
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

15 Year Member
Oct 3, 2003
5,589
9
98
Bethesda, MD
Jul 9, 2009
#3
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #3
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

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,297
1,641
214
Acworth, GA
Jul 9, 2009
#4
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #4
408W hands down.

Kurt
 
3

302GTS

If you need herpes, I'm your man!
Apr 20, 2009
481
2
18
Largo, FL
Jul 9, 2009
#5
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #5
BlackVert said:
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
Click to expand...
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

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,297
1,641
214
Acworth, GA
Jul 9, 2009
#6
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #6
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
 
W

WhiteSN95

Founding Member
Feb 12, 2002
142
0
16
Jul 9, 2009
#7
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #7
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

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,297
1,641
214
Acworth, GA
Jul 9, 2009
#8
  • Jul 9, 2009
  • #8
550rwhp sounds like a good plan, and that is a solid combination for attaining it.

Kurt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Block questions
  • s_vargas54
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
719
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 8, 2026
Trogdor
Progress Thread Progress Thread- From6to8's 95 GT/Saleen Supercharged 331 install
  • from6to8
  • Mar 22, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
883
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 6, 2026
from6to8
Z
Progress Thread zeth194 - New Guy on the Block
  • zeth194
  • Mar 19, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
545
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 26, 2026
LILCBRA
Progress Thread Progress Thread- From6to8's 1994 Cobra Supercharger install
  • from6to8
  • Sep 25, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 20 21 22
Replies
420
Views
9K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 6, 2026
from6to8
  • Locked
Engine Might have to get a Dart block but don't want to and if I do, then 363 instead of 331. Thoughts on what I've already bought so far.......
  • from6to8
  • Jul 8, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
493
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 8, 2025
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 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?