Which 351W should I look for?

mardyn · 01-31-2004, 12:09 PM

I'm going to begin a search for a 351 Windsor to replace the current 5.0L engine i have now. Thought I might check some salvage yards for a rebuildable base engine. Anybody have any thought on which one would be a desirable starting point?

I'd like to get a Gen 1 Lightning 351W, but imagine one of those would be pretty tough to find.
What's the next best version to look for?

mardyn

billheis · 01-31-2004, 06:50 PM

Ive been racing since the 70s and those early blocks were much better 69-74. Plus if your going to stay with iron heads the 69 - 74 had bigger valves. from 75 up the 351 heads are the same as 302's other than 1/2 bolt holes. Other than a lightning engine those will be best. And they used them in all those big cars LTDs and such so there may be a few left around

Ieatcamaros · 01-31-2004, 10:11 PM

The early blocks are the best. If you absolutely must have a roller cam they can be converted to roller. The earlier castings are seasoned--stronger than a green casting.

mardyn · 02-01-2004, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the info guys, I really like the idea of being able to use the OEM hydraulic roller cam & lifters, this engine will use a K/B supercharger and primarily see duty on the street with ocassional track use... I found a Lightning 351 from a 95 model, I think that would be a pretty good starting point. What is the block casting # that designates roller compatability.. F4TE?

Anyway, thanks for the help and suggestions...

mardyn

Rosco · 02-03-2004, 09:29 PM

Hmm... i might have a chance to purchase a '84 Ford F150 with an original 351w in it. Only 50k miles on it. Would this be worth it for doing a swap?

Kevin Price · 02-06-2004, 09:59 AM

You can also look for a 351 Mexican block. THese are the same they were just cast in Mexico. These, like the 69-71 blocks have a higher nickel content. Some say it is even higher than the 69-71.

I just sold 2 1969 Windsors on EBAY for $150 a pop so they are out there. And what do you know, I have a 351 Windsor Std. Bore mexican block for sale on EBAY as we speak!

Good luck in your search, let us know what you decide.

mardyn · 02-07-2004, 04:09 PM

As I continue to beat the bushes on this 351 deal, lots of options are emerging... I like the idea of building my own (which is well within my ability) but there seem to be some other pretty good options on new and used engines as well... cheaper than what I can build one for.. it's making the choice a difficult one...

I'm really begining to like the idea of a stroked enigne... maybe about 390 to 400 ci, but the costs really start going up for that kinda' stuff ...

mardyn

01-31-2004, 12:09 PM	#1
mardyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 14	Which 351W should I look for? I'm going to begin a search for a 351 Windsor to replace the current 5.0L engine i have now. Thought I might check some salvage yards for a rebuildable base engine. Anybody have any thought on which one would be a desirable starting point? I'd like to get a Gen 1 Lightning 351W, but imagine one of those would be pretty tough to find. What's the next best version to look for? mardyn __________________ '69 Shelby GT350 w/late model EFI 5.0L & T5... Kenne Bell S/C on the shelf now, and then going back to a 5.8L/EFI/S/C & T56 this fall... I hope... Next on the list, Ford GT40

01-31-2004, 06:50 PM	#2
billheis Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Posts: 178	351 Ive been racing since the 70s and those early blocks were much better 69-74. Plus if your going to stay with iron heads the 69 - 74 had bigger valves. from 75 up the 351 heads are the same as 302's other than 1/2 bolt holes. Other than a lightning engine those will be best. And they used them in all those big cars LTDs and such so there may be a few left around __________________ Bill Heiser 90 Convertable 5.0 LX, ported E7s w/ THumper valve job, TFS street, FR 65mm TB, B cam w/1.7 cobra rockers, kirban AFPR, Mac CAI, Mac Headers, off road h, 3 chamber flows, Crane ign. box, 3:73s, Art Carr AOD & 2600 converter

01-31-2004, 10:11 PM	#3
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	The early blocks are the best. If you absolutely must have a roller cam they can be converted to roller. The earlier castings are seasoned--stronger than a green casting. __________________ The sig says it all.

02-01-2004, 01:04 PM	#4
mardyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 14	Roller block? Thanks for the info guys, I really like the idea of being able to use the OEM hydraulic roller cam & lifters, this engine will use a K/B supercharger and primarily see duty on the street with ocassional track use... I found a Lightning 351 from a 95 model, I think that would be a pretty good starting point. What is the block casting # that designates roller compatability.. F4TE? Anyway, thanks for the help and suggestions... mardyn __________________ '69 Shelby GT350 w/late model EFI 5.0L & T5... Kenne Bell S/C on the shelf now, and then going back to a 5.8L/EFI/S/C & T56 this fall... I hope... Next on the list, Ford GT40

02-03-2004, 09:29 PM	#5
Rosco Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Vestal, NY Posts: 307	Hmm... i might have a chance to purchase a '84 Ford F150 with an original 351w in it. Only 50k miles on it. Would this be worth it for doing a swap? __________________ 1989 Mustang 5.0 Conversion, Full Saleen ground effects and spoiler, '94 saleen decal set, '93 Saleen Seats, Black interior from a '93, Steeda quadrant, smog pump delete, a/c delete, Steeda Tri-Ax shifter, '97 rear differential, aluminum driveshaft, 5 lug conversion, '97 rear disc brakes, southside upper and lower control arms, '99 GT Anniversary wheels, flowtech longtubes, flowtech offroad H-pipe, saleen lowering springs, kyb shocks, caster/camber plates

02-06-2004, 09:59 AM	#6
Kevin Price Registered Member Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Oxford, KS Posts: 935	You can also look for a 351 Mexican block. THese are the same they were just cast in Mexico. These, like the 69-71 blocks have a higher nickel content. Some say it is even higher than the 69-71. I just sold 2 1969 Windsors on EBAY for $150 a pop so they are out there. And what do you know, I have a 351 Windsor Std. Bore mexican block for sale on EBAY as we speak! Good luck in your search, let us know what you decide. __________________ 2001 Mustang "Mach 1" SVO siamesed 351 stroked to 417ci,Yates heads, solid roller,Trans King glide. Best 1/4 ET 9.17 (ALL MOTOR) Best 1/4 MPH 147 My Car

02-07-2004, 04:09 PM	#7
mardyn Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 14	Plenty of options.. As I continue to beat the bushes on this 351 deal, lots of options are emerging... I like the idea of building my own (which is well within my ability) but there seem to be some other pretty good options on new and used engines as well... cheaper than what I can build one for.. it's making the choice a difficult one... I'm really begining to like the idea of a stroked enigne... maybe about 390 to 400 ci, but the costs really start going up for that kinda' stuff ... mardyn __________________ '69 Shelby GT350 w/late model EFI 5.0L & T5... Kenne Bell S/C on the shelf now, and then going back to a 5.8L/EFI/S/C & T56 this fall... I hope... Next on the list, Ford GT40

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