How do I Identify a 351w short block

[no_3]

Hi guys I'm going to look at a 351w short block tomorrow and wanted to know if ther was any obvious casting numbers or identifying marks to prove that it is a 351w before I hand over my cash.
Thanks guys!

 

[brianj5600]

If the intake is off, it will say 351 in the lifter valley. The heads are about 1.5 inch off the water pump. 289 or 302 heads will be right up close to the water pump. If the oil pan is off the crank on the 2 piece main has 3m cast into it. If you have a 289/302 measure the distance across the intake, the 351 will be about 1 inch wider. The thermostat housing is completly above the w/p and timing cover. 289/302 is partially behind the w/p timing cover.

 

[Hack]

the 351W deck height is 9.48"
the 302 deck height is 8.2"
That's the distance from the crank centerline to the top of the block in a line parallel to the cylinders.

 

[1320stang]

There is a rib right next to the distributor hole that runs up at an angle to the "wall" that the front edge of the intake sits on. A 302 doesn't have this rib.

 

[RajunCajun]

I have a diffrent related question about a 351, would years in the early to mid 80s like a 84 351W block be an ok donor for a stroker 393 , 408?

 

[96 DOHC Cobra]

I have a diffrent related question about a 351, would years in the early to mid 80s like a 84 351W block be an ok donor for a stroker 393 , 408?

I'd have to say it wouldn't be the best choice. The 69-74 versions because they are thicker, or the 94-up because they're "roller" motors would be the best choices in my opinion.

 

[1320stang]

The '69-'70 blocks are a tiny bit shorter than the '71 and later blocks (.023) though the rods and compression height are the same. I think they stopped production in '96. A Lightning motor would have a good block, but I agree with 96 DOHC.

 

[hdgapeach]

Firing order on the intake of a 351W will be 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8