302 roller vs 351 W

Discussion in 'Technical' started by grabberkris, Jun 14, 2011.

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302 roller or 351W

Poll closed Aug 13, 2011.
  1. 1995 Mustang GT 302 Roller motor

    62.2%
  2. 351 Windsor

    37.8%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. grabberkris

    grabberkris Member

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    So the original 302 in my 1971 Grabber is getting a bit tiered. My dad and I are contemplating a brand new 351 W in our garage that was going to go in one of our other cars before we sold it or buy a brand new 302 roller motor to put in it. I need help deciding which one.:hmmm:
     
  2. strokermaverick

    strokermaverick Member

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    I would go with the roller 302, for simplicity. It is quite a bit more work and aggravation, to use the 351W in a Maverick. Just my :2cents:, currently trading @ 1 cent.
     
  3. 73grabber331

    73grabber331 Member

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    i guess the question is how much work you want to do
    the 302 would be basic swap since there is already a 302 in there
    much easier jus swap blocks use all your existing stuff simple.
    351w i bigger and you will have to upgrade to headers long tubes if u want,
    suspension will need to be looked at since 351w is heavier. u will have more
    power and torque but it will also be harder to get to the spark plugs since
    shock towers will be to tight some people just cut them down a lil bit
     
  4. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    I would definitely research what others have done to make a 351w fit so you can decide if it's worth the trouble. Since you have the engine it might initially cost less, but it's definitely more work and you'll require quite a few parts to make it fit right.

    My personal choice would be any of the available strokers based on a 302 deck since it practically bolts in. JMHO
     
  5. grabberkris

    grabberkris Member

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    Well
    I drive the Mav as an everyday driver to school and back and school is in a month or so.(if that helps at all):drive:. My brother and I were thinking of slaming my car on the ground if we put the 351W in it.(for looks since I have a monte carlo bar in it). I see how the shock towers could be a problem.
    My dad was thinking about puting a Performer RPM on the 351W and take the heads off of his '66 Shelby Fastback clone an sticking them on it too.
    For me it has been a very confusing month.:hmmm:
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2011
  6. grabberkris

    grabberkris Member

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    The 1995 302 roller motor out of a Mustang Gt is what we are going with. What flex plate do I need for a C4 automatic and can I use the stock 302 oil pan and pump/pick-up? How about a cam swap to an E303, good or bad?
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2011
  7. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    There are much better choices than 25 year old alphabet cams. Look at Comp Cams and Voodoo.
     
  8. grabberkris

    grabberkris Member

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    sooooooo (y)(good) or :mischeif:(bad)?
     
  9. maverick75

    maverick75 Gotta Love Mavs!

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    Rev the snot out of a 5.0L it can make just as much HP as a 351. But higher in the RPM range.

    as for cams call up delta:
    Phone: (800) 562-5500
    2366 Tacoma AVE S.
    Tacoma, WA 98402
    sales@deltacam.com

    They'll help you out, they also carry the alphabet cams. Just way cheaper.

    http://www.deltacam.com/
     
  10. flynbrd

    flynbrd Member

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    for a daily driver I would roll with the 302 roller motor. If you don't mind paying an extra 15-20$ bucks at the pump then you can't beat the power the 351w can deliver. Most people will spend 2k on a stroker when a 351w fits just fine. Last time I check 351w can rev just as well at a 302 and revving sounds nice but not practical on a daily driver. 351w torque on a daily driver will make the car feel like a pinto on steriods..If you ever need more power a set of AFRs on the motor will throw you in the backseat. 95 302 can be built to make 300hp for daily driver all day long for cheap. Its a nature fit and will always surpass the 351w in mpg. 300hp in a light weight maverick will be fast and a joy to drive. 351w faster, meaner but just how much horsepower do you need in your daily driver? that is the bottomline and should be deciding point.
     
  11. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    :thumbs2: Good. You can't beat them for the money. I've used both the B and the Z303, both are outstanding. B cams can be had for as little as $50 for a used one. That's one thing about roller cams, used ones are almost always as good as new. And they're all very streetable. As for which motor to choose, unless you're going to stroke the 351, a 302 based stroker wins hands down. They're no more expensive to build now than a stock rebuild. You get all the benefits of a 351, but in a smaller, easier to work on package. As for fuel mileage differences between a 302 and 351, there is none to speak of. 1-2 mpg at best.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2011
  12. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    Not bad. But, like I mentioned, there are better choices today than a 25 year old design that Ford did when they were first getting involved with roller cams. The Comp XE266HR in my signature, I picked up used for $120 shipped to my door. Low mileage and looked like new. Decide on your heads/intake/exhaust/compression/use first, then pick a cam. Some guys like running the stock GT cam with 1.7:1 rockers in DD.
     
  13. facelessnumber

    facelessnumber Drew Pittman

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    After making the minimum amount of changes to get long tube headers in there, spark plugs become no problem at all. It's actually easier for me to reach the plugs in my 351w with headers than it was on the 302 with manifolds.

    But anyway, yeah, spark plugs are the last thing to worry about. I must have had the engine in and out 15 times before I could finally bolt everything up. It takes patience.
     
  14. flynbrd

    flynbrd Member

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    Did you know that with just a stroker crank and 302 pistons you can change your 351w into 383! for about 500$ you can be making crazy amounts of daily driving power... :dance:. With aftermarket heads even the new mustangs will fear you.
     
  15. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    Did you know that with a 4.000 bore it's really a 387 and with a 4.030 bore it's a 393?
     

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