I'm an engine newbie, Help me out!

[ZStanger]

Ok, I know about motors, but still have a few questions.

I know how to do modifications, little ones such as carbs, intake manifolds, etc.

But here's the real question. (This isn't happnening any time soon, but I would like to know for future reference.)

Say the motor was a 351 Windsor going in a 1969 Mach 1. What would be the cheapest and most effective ways to squeeze power out of it, and not punish it bad enough so that it could still be used as a daily driver. (Feel free to mention specific parts needed) Looking for 350+ HP.

Another question, how could I get it to be strong enough to handle 7500 RPM? Maybe this is a little outrageous, but I am just curious about having a motor I could really crank on, and not hurt.

Thanks In Advance! You can't get anywhere without askin a few questions.

 

[65fastback2+2]

forged crank and afr (i think thats it) rod-to-crank bolts and a cam and heads to handle 7500 rpm. For 350+hp thats easy, just nice intake manifold, bottom end (see previous statement), carb, heads and headers. That should make ya 350 hp easy, for more, just start messing with bore/stroke and different top pistons.

 

[Route666]

I think you mean ARP bolts.

 

[Mach1steve]

hints

you don't need 7,500 rpm to make 350hp
In fact, if you abuild an engine that will rev that high, then you won't have any low rpm torque, which is what gives you nice "street launches", and grunt out of the hole.

I would go with a nice 280H Cam, Dual Plane Aluminum Intake, 600 or 650 cfm Carb, AFR Aluminum Heads are nice (if you have that kinda money to throw into it), ARP Conn Rod bolts for sure, have the rotating assembly balanced properly, a windage tray is cheap horsepower (and easy to add during a rebuild), 1 peice stainless steel Valves, add headers and nice 2.5" exhaust system, and you're ready to cook !

make sure you use new lifters & springs that match the Cam Grind you use.

Mach1steve

 

[D.Hearne]

You don't need a forged crank to spin to 7500 rpms. The cast Windsor cranks are PLENTY tough to do that. I would suggest going to better rods than the early Windsors have. Those square cut rod bolt head bosses are trouble, as are the pin oiling bosses and holes. 350hp isn't hard to reach even with stock heads, they just need a port/polish job, and bigger cam to reach those numbers. A good old C9OX factory aluminum intake would also be an excellant choice. Headers are a must.

 

[302RWP]

Here are some answers for the power equation: aggressive camshaft profile, better heads, port work, hotter ignition systems, good intake/carb, exhaust/headers. but for reliabilty and strength, just like 65fastback said, invest into the bottom end of the engine. you can spin a cast crank up to 7500 rpm, but its not suggested. H-beam rods w/ cap screw bolts are $$ costly $$, but effective, they can take 8,000 rpm without complaint. forged pistons could also help. however i dont think you're going to get a very strong, reliable, performance bottom end with spending big buck$$$. a stroker kit may be the best option. i'm sure you know, but in case you don't, an engine is stroked by increasing the distance the piston travels in the cylinder bore. that means more air and more fuel, and that's what makes the power. you can just offest grind a 351 crank amd use the right rod and piston for increased displacement. there are many affordable kits from summit racing equipment and also ford racing technology. keep in mind that the most money is spent on kits that sport h-beam rods, forged pistons, and steel cranks. this is all good if you have the cash, but if you don't then it will be a concern. street engines dont need these race ready pieces, just be keep realistic expectations and youll do fine