What 351's to use/avoid?
- Thread starter 5ohMustang
- Start date
Greenracing
Founding Member
Well it all depends, if you want the strongest block go for 69-86 blocks they are flat tapped but they have stronger mains, and later if you like you can retrofit the block to roller w a crane retro kit but it all depends on the aplication, ive seen 10, and 9 second flat tapped 351 w no problems.
Does it matter what the shortblock comes out of? Most of the shortblocks I've seen for sale are from trucks (F-series and Broncos).
-Brian
-Brian
Greenracing
Founding Member
All year 351W are about the same as far as strength goes. The earlier ones are no stronger, but they do use a different deck height (9.48-‘69-‘70 vs 9.503-later). Just make sure to stay away from the Cleveland or the Modified. The Cleveland isn't a bad engine mind you....a little heavier build than the Windsor...but won't make any more power and will just end up costing you a pile of money to put together. The Modified on the other hand is a boat anchor and should be avoided at all cost.
It doesn’t matter what the short block comes out of, but you’ll want to at the very least, upgrade the pistons. Most 351W’s were equipped with cast pistons and ran lower compression ratios. Rods and crank are plenty strong for most street builds. Just remember when you’re building or buying heads for it, that even though they’ll take the same heads as the 302, that they move a lot more air than the 302. So your head selection should reflect the added 49cid.
It doesn’t matter what the short block comes out of, but you’ll want to at the very least, upgrade the pistons. Most 351W’s were equipped with cast pistons and ran lower compression ratios. Rods and crank are plenty strong for most street builds. Just remember when you’re building or buying heads for it, that even though they’ll take the same heads as the 302, that they move a lot more air than the 302. So your head selection should reflect the added 49cid.
5.0 HOtrain
Founding Member
I'm pretty sure that 69-74 blocks are the stronges years of production blocks. They have thicker webbing than later blocks. Stroked 351's are a sweet combo. I just dynoed my 418 and with out of box heads/intake and a hydro roller it made 581 hp and 539 tq (flywheel) on pump gas. Any year block you go with though is stronger than a 302 block. Good luck, do a search here and especially on the corral, tons of 351 info.
mike.
mike.
5.0 HOtrain said:
Yes the 69-74 block have thicker main webbing and higher nickel content, they are stronger the the later model blocks, the roller blocks are the weakest but it all depends on how much power you want to make.
69-70 9.48" deck
71-95 9.50" deck
JETHRO
Founding Member
what about mexican blocks? i have one of those and a regular and dont know if i should just sell the mexican block because im not planning on an 8 second ride. i guess they are really rare.
I actually came on this post to ask if anyone knew about the 351 Mexican blocks because a friend of mine has one he wants to give me. Its been machined and everything but the caps are missing. New caps and Im in there. I guess these engines are rare because nobody knows about them. Anybody else know anything??
JETHRO
Founding Member
JETHRO
Founding Member
if it says it in the valley its a mexican block. i put it right beside my other one thats a mid 80's block i think and you can tell theres more meat there.
JETHRO
Founding Member
Rick 91GT said:
yeah mine needs bored .040 i think. i talked to a friend he told me to get it for 200 bucks.
JETHRO
Founding Member
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