After many years of being away from restoring and building older vehicles, I Recently started a new project with the intent of turning a '51 F1 into a daily driver with modern reliability. I bought what looks to be an early 70's 351W with a 1973 C6 tranny attached. Bought it for $300.00 from a couple of Stoners who had no idea what they were selling or any history of it. After tearing it completely down I have found the following:
Block casting: # DAE-6015-DA-13 (no, there was not the usual year number following the 1970's "D" code letter)
Heads: 2V with stamped number E5AE (Assumed to be 1985 heads. At least they are a sequential numbered matching set)
Manifold: Edlebrock "Performer" for 4-barrel carb
Carb: Do not know yet. Looks like the Stoners used it as a door stop.
Headers: Hedman-rusty set (These will change later to fit F1 frame needs)
So there are some of the basic engine components I will try to work from. What is there looks to be in fairly decent condition. I have pretty much identified what I currently have to work with, it is now decision time for what gets kept, modified or tossed.
Block cylinders are already bored .030 over and still show micro honing marks. Engines looks to have very little run time on it. Block deck is flat within .002 -.003, crank and cam shafts are within specs, all bearings have no wear on them, lifters, rods and rockers look new with no visable wear. Overall the bottom have of the engine looks to be usable as is. Timing chain looks to be tight enough, etc. I believe I can just replace the usual re-assembly needs. As for the heads, this is where I need a little support. My understanding is that the stock E5EA Heads will not be delivering any outstanding upside for horse power. Again, my overall goal is to build a daily driver with just a little kick to it. Not a time trial track eater. Not quite sure why the Edelbrock Performer was added to the E5EA heads in the first place. So, one of my first questions are; what can I do with the heads I have or, should I look in a different direction regarding mid range power coming through the heads? or, do the E5AE heads perform at a decent level when paired with a good intake manifold and 4-barrel carb?
The engine for this project is just one of many build list activities that I will be completing.
I have been viewing the FTE site for a couple of weeks now and decided that it was to my benefit to become a member to seek and share common interests and challenges. I am looking forward to suggestions, comments and questions.
I would attach some pictures, but I have not gotten to that level of wizzardry yet.
Thanks a bunch, Jaybird51