anybody know if its worth the time and effort to drop in a 351w vs 302, it just bought a 1970 2 door needing restoring and I am not sure how difficult this 351 swap is, I am also having trouble finding 351 headers........
The 351W is a direct bolt in swap. Where the problem lies is in the headers and changing the spark plugs. Most people that do that swap also do the modification of the shock towers. Do a search on that for more info.
i did this swap with no mod to the shock towers and don't regret it YET. i got the headers from tubular automotive, and you can not have power steering with these headers. I've tried to make a drop down bracket for the power steering cly, but it's nearly impossible. also there are bolts that stick out to far on the side of the shock towers i would recommend cutting them down before you put your new motor in.
Dont do it!!!! lol I love my 410CI mav but wish I had went with a 347. There are lots of clearance issues...
lol i kinda wish i had gone with a 302 based engine to but it's still cool to walk in to auto zone and tell the guy you got a 351w under the hood.
I used to go to AZ and antagonize them by telling them I had a 351w in my 71 Grabber. It would baffle most of them when they went to the computer.
The best bet for headers is Crites Restorations. Some guys did a group purchase from the site around the beginning of the year. Availability might be sketchy unless another GP is set up with them. Crites was trying to discontinue the headers from the sound of it, until the GP. These headers are of a decent tube size, and pretty much the cheapest option by about 100 bux. They have 1.75" tubes, which is just about right for a street 351. Another nice point about these headers is that they fit a 302 in our cars too. A good thing if you change gears and decide to use a 302 down the road. These come in just under 400 bux if memory serves. Next would be Hookers. They cost about 100 bux more, and they are made for a Mustang 351w swap, but with some careful work, they will fit our cars. They have the same decent 1.75" tubes, and they will fit a 302 as well with some fitting. They are listed as 65-66 Stang headers for 351w swap. You are looking at just under 500 bux here. After that, there are the Tubular Automotive headers. They have been around for decades and they are good parts. However, for the same high price as the Hookers, you get tiny tubes. 1.5" primary tubes. Almost too small for a healthy 302, definately not something you want on 351 cubes. So they are a last resort in my opinion. Not for quality, but high price and tiny tubes. I have had a few sets of Tubulars for other applications in the past, and quality is top notch.
