Size/dimensions of 302 vs. 351?

[CarFreakGT]

I'm considering taking a different turn w/ my 68 coupe than originally intended. It appears that I will probably be going for a total rebuild of the 302, or possibly consider a crate engine. That being the case, I'm going to at least explore the possibility of a 351 as well. One concern that I have is wondering how drastic of a difference there is between the dimensions of the two engines.

I realize that the 351 is a tighter fit and I would have less room to work in the engine bay. Am I going to be fighting every time I want to do even basic maintenance and tune-ups?

Do any of you w/ 351's have a good bay shot for some perspective? With my 88 LX and 89 GT, I remember how tight things were under the hood, especially when I upgraded the headers/exhaust. I really don't want things as tight as that. Is it in that same ballpark?

Sorry if my question isn't clear or if I'm rambling. It's just late and it's been a long day. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[2+2GT]

The deck of each bank of cylinders is 1" higher than the 302. That said, it should be no problem. The engine bay was identical 67-70, and the 351W was quite common in 69-70.

 

[CarFreakGT]

Thank you, 2+2. That's a lot more encouraging than I had anticipated! Again, thanks!

 

[68stang351]

Do any of you w/ 351's have a good bay shot for some perspective?

My 68 with a 69 351w. It's not that bad at all. The only pain is tightening header bolts, but with the gaskets that I use I haven't had a bolt back out in about 4 years. As for headers, I used the cheap Heddman 351w swap shorty headers and haven't had a single issue with them in the 7-8 years they've been there.

 

[brianj5600]

If you want hp and tq you should go with a 351 based motor. I never thought mine was hard to work on, even with a charge pipe in the way. I can't believe a 351 in a fox is any where near tight. There is less room in a 68, but I was never bothered by it, even when I was pulling all 8 sparkplugs repeatedly when I first started tuning it. Building headers was a bear though.

 

[mrmustangman357]

so i guess there's no shot at fabbing hot side for a 351W in a '66?

 

[brianj5600]

so i guess there's no shot at fabbing hot side for a 351W in a '66?

Maybe with an oval shaped log. Or maybe with a pin on hood and cut the apron out between the fire wall and shock tower and use shorties. Really though the shock towers would need to go IMO.

 

[Edster]

Ford used to offer a 392 crate motor and I believe it was based on a 351W block. If you think about it a crate motor comes w/ a guarantee and reliability. But ther are formulas to build a 302 and get 400hp for around 2500 USD. I'm talking old school 302 w/ cast iron heads. I think the guy's name was Joe Sherman.