Hi everyone. If I was too buy a eighties 351w would that be a good motor to start a build with or is their a different gen 351w for my 73 comet that would be better? Thank you
'94-'96 roller blocks are the most preferred, otherwise there isn't enough difference to be important...
Tom's right. Word of caution though. I have read many posts from owners, builders, and also machine shop operators about cracks located in the cam tunnels of the earlier 351 roller blocks. And some have mentioned that they have passed initial inspections and even slipped by the mag testing undetected at times too.. so just use due diligence through research and always inspect accordingly. I'll help you start your search here. http://forums.corral.net/forums/5-0...-must-read-psa-windsor-roller-block-guys.html
Just be careful with a 351W roller block, it's common for them to have cracks at the #2 and #4 cam bearing journals where the lifter hold down bolts to the lifter valley.
A good engine to start with would be a roller cam 302!!! Why do you want all the problems with installing a 351 in you small engine bay?
The 69 to 74 blks are the ones you want,if built right they will hold 700HP,the others will not.You can always get the kit to convert it to a roller,I know because I have a 74 blk set up for it but I am going to run a solid lift cam in mine.They say the spider bone set up is ok for a mild build but not good for serious HP.I`m going to have to put 2 small bolts in the lifter valley to block the holes for the spider because they are drilled into the #2 & #4 cam journals so those holes have to be blocked.I would like to sell the whole spider set including the compcam roller lifters & the whole nine yards because I will never use it,the cam is a comp magnum with a .544 lift,& I have springs & retainers & locks.
Shameless plug... OP, I just noticed that you're in PA, I'm near York. I have a 351W short block listed in the classifieds: http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/disassembled-351w-shortblock-in-s-central-pa.107344/
The 69-70 351W are short deck height (9.48) 71-up taller deck height (9.503). So keep this in mind when you get the rebuild kit. Putting in a tall deck set of pistons in a short deck engine will give you a bit more compression and the pistons will come all the way to the top of the cylinder.
Yeah,with the 69 & 70 blk. you have to use a 6.200 rod & a 1.280 comp. height piston on a 408 stroker,I know,I also have a std. bore 69 blk. for insurance in case something were to happen to my other mtr.
I would be thinking MII type front end if you insist on going with a 351W or C based engine. Shoehorning a 351 into this chassis with the old towers isn't worth the hassle IMO. Hotrock had such a combo. He would not be steering you to a 302 based engine for no reason.
Thanks alot guys. You guys are all awesome. Great info. I've been toying around with what motor too get for awhile now. Mine currently has the original 250 six in it. Can't wait till a v8 takes it's place. Been looking at crate motors, maybe blueprint. Not sure what companies make good motors.
