I've learned a lot about 351w builds by reading through this forum's threads. I've learned enough to know matching parts correctly is crucial to building power, efficiency, etc. The challenge for a novice is picking the right complimentary parts. I started looking at websites (e.g. Summit Racing, Edlebrock, etc.) to find kits that have already been tested and put together in one nice packaged. I've found far fewer options than I expected.


I'm not looking for a stroker kit - just a rebuild kit that includes higher quality parts (e.g heads, cam, pistons, etc). My goal is streetable ~350-400 HP and ~400 torque.


What are good companies/websites to look at for these types of kit packages? Any tricks to finding these packages?


Thanks in advance

 

Just go to the source. Search out and visit the manufacturer's website. Edelbrock has a number of kits for the 5.8L. includes carb, intake, heads, & cam/valve train, etc. I'm sure there are others. Google is your friend.

 

You're better off picking your own parts. I've never seen a "kit" anything that had exactly what I wanted. But you could contact Keith Craft Racing in Arkansas for something. He knows Fords and has pretty good prices and could assemble a kit that would suit your needs. Do a web search. he's got a website.

 

So I can't rely on Edlebrok, TFS, or Holley to put together a matched set of parts? I was hoping that those guys who make those parts know what goes well with what else. Maybe they make compromises that not everyone agree with?

 

READ what I posted. If you're satisfied with the parts they choose for you, then buy them. Many of us prefer to pick our own parts combinations. There are far more parts combinations that "work" together than you think. Take your typical EFI cam, all of them work great with a carbed induction, yet they're advertised as EFI cams. The result in mixing heads, cams, intakes and carbs moves the power band up or down the scale. Mixing them does not mean the parts you chose don't work together, it only means the end result in terms of the power band is different. Someone who knows no better and is looking for peak power production in the top of the rpm band might be pissed after choosing some "off the shelf" parts combo that's optimized for low rpm power after not "doing his homework" in picking that combo. Hotrodding is all about experimentation and doing this differently. It would be pretty boring if we all settled for what little is offered in kits.

 

Well, I haven't had a chance to play with a lot of parts combinations, so I have to go by what a manufacturer puts together, or what I read in Hot Rod Magazine.

 

That is fine as long as you want a hotrod motor, if on the other hand you want a daily driver or truck friendly motor then those engine combos will be somewhat disappointing as in no power down low. That is where forums like this some in, engines get discussed a lot so spend some time reading and digging through the archives to see what truck guys an gals are building.