351w in my 74

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by bigblockmav74, Apr 29, 2015.

  1. bigblockmav74

    bigblockmav74 Member

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    My car came with a 250... will my c4 work with a 96 351 windsor and also I've heard so many opinions on weather or not I have to shave my shock towers ?
     
  2. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    It'll fit, but if you don't shave the shock towers you'll never want to change plug
     
  3. Earplug

    Earplug Member

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    Here is what you get with shaved shock towers.... 2015-04-30 09.04.40.jpg
     
  4. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Heres what you get without shaved towers...And headers...
    Gorilla who installed engine (Not me) beat towers mercilesly but didnt have to.:huh:
     

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  5. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

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    When I had a 351W in my Comet without shock tower modifications, changing plugs was about as difficult as with my current 302. What you cannot do with the 351W is remove the heads while the engine is still in the car. You have to pull the engine to remove the heads.
     
  6. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Did you have head studs??? If so then yeah, not pulling heads without pulling the studs... Other wise, they come out just fine.
    It takes me 20 minutes to change the plugs in my Sprint.
     
  7. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

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    Mavman72

    I did not have head studs. I was running a set of headers made by J Bittle America that were manufactured about 25 years ago. I could not get to the lower head bolts because the headers were in the way and I could not remove the headers without pulling the engine. What headers are you running on your 351W? Can you get to your lower head bolts without removing the headers? Can you remove the headers without lifting or pulling the engine?

    I was of the opinion all the 351w headers blocked the lower head bolts.
     
  8. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    They are sumitt headers, dont remember the PN# I can shove them out of the way enough to get to the bolts but it is a P.I.T.A.
    I do pop the engine off the mounts to get to the plugs, but thats easey to do on these cars. Two bolts and a jack and bobs your uncle...
     
  9. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

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    "I do pop the engine off the mounts to get to the plugs, but thats easey to do on these cars."

    I never had to lift the engine to change plugs on my 351W with the JBA headers. Removing my tall valve covers did make access to the plugs easier however, their removal wasn't necessary. As I stated before, changing plugs on my 351W took about as long is it does with my 302.

    I've attached a couple of pictures of my 351w and the unmodified shock towers.
     

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  10. bigblockmav74

    bigblockmav74 Member

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    That's not shaving that's removing them lol.. And changing the suspension !! To upper and lower a arm ? I'm not going that far.. It can't be as bad as my dad's 69 mustang with a 428CJ to change the plugs ?
     
  11. bigblockmav74

    bigblockmav74 Member

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    Which headers will I need ?
     
  12. Hotrock

    Hotrock Rick, an MCCI Member Supporting Member

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    My headers that were designed and built by JBA 25 years ago were never put into production. I own the only set. There are now several sources that make headers for the 351W conversion. Tubular Automotive and Crites Restorations are a couple of suppliers.

    I'm not familiar with a Summit brand of header that fits a 351W conversion. It would be good to know the part number for your headers.
     
  13. bigblockmav74

    bigblockmav74 Member

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    Thanks for the info.. I'm just starting this project so it will be a while before I need them :) im starting tear down today !
     
  14. bigblockmav74

    bigblockmav74 Member

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    I have a complete a/c set up on my car that I won't be using if you know of anyone who would want it ?
     
  15. Rasit

    Rasit Member

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    List the a/c set up in the classified section, I'm sure somebody could use it.
     

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