What 351's to use/avoid?

5ohMustang · Mar 7, 2004

Looking into a carbed 351w. Which should I avoid and which are OK to use?
Thanks,
Brian

Greenracing · Mar 7, 2004

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.

5ohMustang · Mar 7, 2004

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

Greenracing · Mar 7, 2004

almost all of the 351 out there are from trucks so go for it!!!!!

Gearbanger 101 · Mar 7, 2004

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.

5.0 HOtrain · Mar 7, 2004

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.

Rick 91GT · Mar 7, 2004

5.0 HOtrain said:
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.

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 · Mar 7, 2004

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.

Rick 91GT · Mar 7, 2004

JETHRO said:
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.

You have a Mexican 351 or 302?

SmockDoiley · Mar 7, 2004

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 · Mar 7, 2004

Rick 91GT said:
You have a Mexican 351 or 302?

351

SmockDoiley · Mar 7, 2004

Yours says Heche en Mexico in the valley right? Does it have any casting numbers on it. I want to make sure what I have is a Mexican 351 also.

JETHRO · Mar 7, 2004

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.

Rick 91GT · Mar 7, 2004

The Mexican motors are getting hard to come by and do draw more money when sold.... a good Mexican 302 with caps can go for $700-$900.

They basically have the strength of the Sportsman blocks Fod Racing currently offers.

JETHRO · Mar 7, 2004

Rick 91GT said:
The Mexican motors are getting hard to come by and do draw more money when sold.... a good Mexican 302 with caps can go for $700-$900.

They basically have the strength of the Sportsman blocks Fod Racing currently offers.

yeah mine needs bored .040 i think. i talked to a friend he told me to get it for 200 bucks.

SmockDoiley · Mar 7, 2004

Yeah, but does yours say that in the valley? I just cant find anything about the mexican 351 blocks.

JETHRO · Mar 8, 2004

SmockDoiley said:
Yeah, but does yours say that in the valley? I just cant find anything about the mexican 351 blocks.

yep

What 351's to use/avoid?

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SmockDoiley

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Rick 91GT

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