Explain Deck height, please

Deck height is the distance from the crankshaft center (centerline) to the top of the cylinder at the top of the block.

A stock 302 block is 8.2". The aftermarket has 8.7" for the 302.

The 9.2" (Cleveland/Boss), and 9.5" (Windsor) offerings as well, so they are the 351 deck heights.

The 351M/400 engines have a 10.3" deck height.

The taller deck heights allow more room for piston and rod design to accommodates more stroke. The taller deck helps in getting a taller compression hieght piston so you can get all three rings to work as intended, instead of needing any oil ring support rails, aka, the piston wrist pin intersecting the oil ring land.

Basically, a taller deck height allows you to add more stroke (acheived from the crankshaft).

From the factory, the '71-'74 blocks are said to be the best with a true 9.5" deck height and stronger castings. The '69-'70 have a 9.48" deck height. Roughly the same.

The '94 351 blocks are roller blocks.

The "best" block is going to be found in the aftermarket world.

Dart is what I would choose. A 9.5" version at that. It could handle anything you are going to throw at it.

There is a plethara of things that need to be done to a new block.

Torque plate honing, lifter bore honing, machining crank, decking, etc.

It just depends on parts used.

You will be able to run the same heads and intake that are designed for the 351 you choose.

A 302 intake is not going to be wide enough for the taller 351 engines. However, the heads will all bolt-on to each other. Whether 302 or 351 heads.

Good Luck!

if you want 500 reliable hp the right block is AFTERMARKET!

You will have to still spend money on the machining, because tolerances can vary so much from part to part.

All engines need to be built independent of one another.

Good Luck!

i would think that a factory block would be fine at 500hp for a 351.... i would get a newer roller block so you dont have to buy the expensive roller conversion lifters.