I have access to 2 351Ws, and was wondering how well they hold up, compared to the 302s. One is a newer roller model, the other cheaper one is not. How do the stroker kits hold up in them? Do they bolt right up and how much space will I have to change spark plugs and install headers? Scott
Well,I'm sure this'll start something but here goes anyway.... a 351 will bolt in,but headers are a pain,If you use manifolds,you gotta use early style,slimmer ones(289,'73ish back 302-351 type) a 351 block,stock for stock,will hold up under more hp than a 302.Folklore says that '69 351(C9oe)blocks are stronger,maybe 70 & 71 too,not sure. a 302 based stroker is easier to work on in the car(seen em up to a 352)and lie about being the original motor. a 351 based stroker will give you up to 427 ci....in a 2900lb car. for low buck,a 351 will make better torque than a 302,so you'll need less gear & stall to run just as fast. 302 parts are generally easier to come by used,the 351 has unique intake,oilpan,distributor that only fit the 351 and in the case of our cars,headers. 351 in a mav means using a remote oil filter,or a shorter one than the standby FL1-A. 351 is a bit taller,if you run an intake w/some rise to it,or a carb spacer,nitrous plate,etc you could have hood clearance problems. roller cams are always better.Less friction=more hp How the stroker holds up depends on the kit in either and how hard you beat on it.Try to get a kit that uses a specific crank for the application and aftermarket rods.It's more $$ than the "offset ground"factory cranks & mixmatch rods(like 300 six or 360 mopar rods)but xtra $$ spent on a good kit may save your block later. bottom line-cubes make power,yes a 302 based engine can(and I have)beat up on 351's,but both being built the same-351 hands down.Only 2 gripes I have about them in mavs are the spark plug festivities and high $ headers.Have fun deciding..I still can't.
I plan on doing the "cut out the shock tower and replace the front suspension" conversion...(is that the correct nomenclature for that conversion?). But I still want a "small block" for weight. I would rather have a built up 302 than a stock 440, contrary to dad's suggestions (a Mopar man who always had a 440 in his 76 Dodge van and 69 RoadRunner, and a 454(5) Olds in his jet boat). I want to keep the Mav street legal, and putting in a blown 440 would probably make it street-worthless. Also, I have access to cheap 351 motors, that could easily be stroked out and built up. My main question is Can I build a 7000 RPM 351 stroker that would hold up as well as a 347 (302 stroker)? Tim, thanks for the good tips!
i myself would go 393w or even 408w,,,headers are a pain but when its all said and done its a blast ...i have about 2500 miles on my 393w i shift at 6850 rpm AFR 185's custom ordered and worked over by AFR to work with my 393w 11.50-1comp Wiseco forged pistons scat crank eagle H beam rods comp cams custom grind 586lift I and 600lift E Pete Jackson quite dear drive c4 trans done by Robert Raney aka Mavericknutt... TCI 3500 stall Auburn gear pro posi wth 3.80 gears
I was thinking of the 393 stroke kit. You shift at 6850, what do you consider your "red line"? Apparently, you don't worry about thin cylinder walls or anything like that? Which one were you driving at the roundup? I took pictures of all the cars, and some engines, and I might have a shot from under your hood.
If you are honestly worried about streetable performance I would go with the 331 stroker kit. Still lite weight and you do not have the wrist pin in the ring lands on the piston.(been a big debate with no real clear answer over longevity) vrs the 347. I would go Hyd roller for that streetable performance. Match all your parts to make power between 6000 to 7000 rpm. The 393w or 408w is a a great idea too. I have no real experience with 393 or 408 stroker but it sounds like a good thing:evilsmile too.
You can make good power with both, it all depends on what you want to do with the car, how much money you have and how much of the work you can do yourself. At the roundup this year, the three fastest "normally asperated" passes were all made by 302 based engines, all three were stock ford blocks. 4th in line was a built 408W. That example just shows you how much power can be made with a 302 based engine. With that being said, If I had it to do over again, I would have built a 351W based engine because if you built both engines to the maximum possible, I think in the end the 351W based motor will be more powerful and last longer. Just my 2 cents.
MaverickGrabber,how's that combo run?1/4,1/8 both?Sounds stout for sure!Scooper,I've heard that Scat sells a stroker crank for about $700-800 that uses stock 351w rods,302 pistons and gives you 393 w/standard bore.Don't know much more maybe someone on here has used or knows of one of these being used.
30 over Interceptor block dont think the walls are thin ..it should run mid low 11s have not had it at a track but have played with some fast cars on the street mine was not at the round up its getting painted by the FooseMAN=WardF
wrist pin in the ring lands on the piston... My 347 doesn't have wrist pins in the ring lands. The torque is a lot greater than with the 302. The stroker's lighter pistons and rods allow the engine to rev so much quicker, first time I drove the 347 I thought my clutch was slipping. But then I noticed the speedometer was keeping pace with the tach. The 351 has a beefier block in the main web area. For a 393 the only "special" part you need to purchase is the stroker crank. Add a set of 302 pistons and your stock 351 rods. Personally, someday I'd love to do a M II front end and a 427 stroker. Maybe someday when I win the lottery.
For a street car, a 302 or 302 stroker is all a light Maverick needs. If you wanna race....or have a tire-frying good time at any speed in any gear, a 408 or larger will be in order. I had seriously considered a 440" windsor in my SVO....then it wouldn't need a turbo to make decent power. Then again, the 4 banger is much cheaper.
I checked out the dump truck on the property at work, the source of one of the potential 351s, and it was a 6.1L, I think that is 370ci. I don't think it will fit with the shock towers. It is there for the taking if I ever to a front-end swap. The owner says the motor still runs, but the transfer case and tranny are shot, so it sits. I could get it free or "$100 and haul the thing off the propery!" that kind of deal. There is still that 351W roller in Houston...
