Tough decision...stroke a 351W, or build a 5.0 roller...

Actually, the 351 would be converted to roller as well... I am trying to find a wrecked Stang to rob a drivetrain from, but I am to the point now that I think it would be cool to just stroke a 351 up to a 408 or 393 instead. The only gripes I have are header selection and plug accessability. The million dollar question is, is it worth the trouble to jam a 351 in there? Or should I build a mean 302 instead? I think the monster torque that a stroked 351 will make would be pretty sweet on the street... Also, the motor has to work easily with a tremec 5 speed clearance wise. I dont think that will be an issue with a cable clutch though. Opinions are appreciated.

 

you could build a stroked 302 roller motor :bananaman

 

True. That is another option. I am limited on horsepower using a stock roller block though. Thats the only reason I'm tempted to shy away from the 302. I am really leaning towards the 351, I just dont want a huge fittment hassle.

 

i'm currently building a 347 roller motor, i'll be using a tremec trans also, 9inch etc, planning to have close to 7.5k redline on it

 

As far as a 351 vs 302,here's my takes;
if both are non-strokers,keep the 302 BECAUSE
302 parts are generally more common(read-cheaper)than 351 specific parts AND
the 351 is a pain as far as headers and plug changes BUT
you can stroke the 351 to 400+ cubes vs around 350 on the 302 PLUS
the early 351 blocks will hold up under 600 hp while the roller blocks tend to split at 600(even w/stud girdles)AND
if you build a stout 351 based motor,you'll have to step up to a TKO because of the torque,and a 9" will be mandatory.
Bottom line for me(I've got a '69 351w waiting for a rebuild and a 5.0);
I'll probably keep the 5.0 because I only have an 8",manifolds and I can change plugs w/minimal cussing.If I were going bad a$$ ragged edge street car,I'd do a 408,AOD,9" and some of those high $$ headers too.Probably cut the towers too.But my Comet is just a cruiser for now,so I'll probably change my mind a bunch before I get around to "restifying"it.I'm sure this has helped none,but I've contemplated the same thing over and over,and will continue to do so I'm sure.

 

If money is no issue, you could use an 8.2" Dart block.
A buddy picked up one for 1400 still in the box, so deals can be found if you look.
Run the stroker crank and 4.155" bore (or anything up to 4.2") and still have a 302 exterior package. I think the 8.2" block can go to around 375 cubes.
You can also use the 8.7" block for even more cubes... You would just be limited to certain intakes, like the Vic Jr. The headers would only be slightly higher in the engine bay. Raised exhaust ports would be out of the question with 302 headers though.
I know it's a dream for the likes of us, but a nice dream.
Dave

 

I have a decent 302 stroker in mine and my next project will be a 351 stoker.

 

I have pretty much decided that I am going to build a 351 stroker. I am going to take more out of the towers to make plug changes a little easier. As I said I already have two 351s to play with, and I want 1/2" head bolts and a stout block in case I decide to boost it down the road.

 

Ok here goes. I have a 408W in my maverick with 6208 hooker headers (1 3/4 tubes). If you want to get as much room as possible then you will have to do the shock tower mod or just forget doing it!

If this is going to be mainly on the street go with the 347, hooker 6208 with the spacers plates, the best heads you can afford along with all of the other goodies you would like to have in your motor.
I posted a 347 stroker combo about two years ago that dyno at 510hp, (at the motor) and that motor might still be sitting on the floor at the speed shop.
351W are a nice way to go but be ready to make some big mods, can you shoe horn them in without the mods... yes but life will suck when you work on the car.

6208 hookers will fit in our cars a lot of members have already but them in, as far as I know I'm the only one that has them with a 351W.

Good luck on your project and as always this is just my .02

Terry Gates
AKA Bossmav

 

Curious, has anyone here used these 6208s with an 8.2" block?
They are swap headers for 351w, so it seems like they will hang aweful low on a 302 type block.
Is my thinking correct, or do you have actual first hand knowledge that these will work on a 302?
Thanks
Dave

 

Do a search, the 6208 topic has come up several times and yes they will fit on an 8.2 block. I have them on my 347.


And about the block splitting......yes, 302 blocks are not the strongest out there but with proper machine work, studs and girdles they will live with some impressive hp numbers.......mine has been living behind a 250 shot for the past several years and this winter will be the first freshen up. Now for those that have horsepower calculators how much does it take to run 6.0's - 6.20's in the 1/8th mile @ 110-113 mph. @ 3000 lbs.?? That's over 600 track proven horsepower and the block still lives and I HAVE NOT been easy on it.................it may be living on borrowed time but it's done great so far!!!!!!!

just my 2 cents worth.......

 

CometGT1974, that's a much better picture then the last one I saw!

I'm glad to see you've gotten the car back together

Dave I know of at least 4 board members that have used the 6208 hookers with the 302, just like CometGT1974 said do a search. Buyer beware, you will have to make them fit!!!

Bossmav

 

1 3/4 primary headers fit in your stock suspension car? Sweet! I thought I was limited to 1 5/8 headers. Do you have any pics? I do plan on doing the shock tower mod like i mentioned above. I want the 351 block for its added strength. I want an engine that will make 450rwhp for a long time, and Im not confident in the long term reliabilty of a 347.

 

A quality 347 that is setup properly will handle 450 hp for a long, long time....

Here's the only picture I can find right now.....

http://www.maverick.to/mmb/attachment.php?attachmentid=9459

 

Stockhatch, no matter what you do make sure you use a gridle on your block.
Unless you use a early 69 or 70 flat rail block that you can put program 4 bolt main caps on. ALWAYS use the best bolts you can afford, everywhere.
ARP is the best way to go. Now I don't know everything there is to know about building race engines but what I do know is fasteners... I sell them!

Canton make a SWEET gridle that requires no machine work and the windage tray bolts right on to it. If you want 450 RWH you are either going to have to stroke, blow or spray your windsor. It's going to be a tough job getting that many ponys from 351 cubes without some help.

Sorry I don't have my pixs any longer, my last hard drive crashed on me.

Keep us posted on your project and good luck.

Bossmav