Hey guys, this winter im thinking im finally going to bite the bullet and build up the 351W in my mud truck. Ive been amassing parts for the last few years, heres what ive got:

Hooker comp long tube headers
edelbrock performer intake
edelbrock 650cfm performer carb
comp cams 35-239-3 extreme 4x4 flat tappet
<table class="SpecCard" width="760"><tbody><tr><td class="SpecLabel">RPM Range:</td> <td class="Spec"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBRPMRange" value="1400 to 5500" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB RPMRange" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="SpecLabel"> Valve Lash:</td> <td class="Spec Intake"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBValveLashIntake" value="Hyd." readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB ValveLashIntake" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="Spec Exhaust"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBValveLashExhaust" value="Hyd." readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB ValveLashExhaust" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="SpecLabel"> Valve Timing:</td> <td class="Spec"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBValveTiming" value="0.006" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB ValveTiming" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="SpecLabel"> Duration:</td> <td class="Spec Intake"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBDurationIntake" value="262" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB DurationIntake" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="Spec Exhaust"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBDurationExhaust" value="270" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB DurationExhaust" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="SpecLabel" nowrap="nowrap"> Lobe Separation: </td> <td class="Spec"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBLobeSeparationAngle" value="111°" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB LobeSeparationAngle" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="SpecLabel"> Duration @ .050" Lift:</td> <td class="Spec Intake"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBDuration050Intake" value="218" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB Duration050Intake" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="Spec Exhaust"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBDuration050Exhaust" value="226" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB Duration050Exhaust" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="SpecLabel" nowrap="nowrap"> Intake Centerline:</td> <td class="Spec"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBIntakeCenterline" value="107°" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB IntakeCenterline" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="SpecLabel"> Valve Lift:</td> <td class="Spec Intake"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBValveLiftIntake" value="0.493" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB ValveLiftIntake" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="Spec Exhaust"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBValveLiftExhaust" value="0.512" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB ValveLiftExhaust" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="SpecLabel">
</td> <td class="Spec">
</td> <td class="SpecLabel"> Lobe Lift:</td> <td class="Spec Intake"> <input name="ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$CamSpecsDetails21$ TBLobeLiftIntake" value="0.308" readonly="readonly" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_CamSpecsDetails21_TB LobeLiftIntake" class="SpecBox" style="width:135px;" type="text"> </td> <td class="Spec Exhaust">
</td></tr></tbody></table>comp cams timing chain set 2138

Planning on running a DS II ignition system, ive got just an off the shelf box and reman dizzy with an MSD blaster 2 coil.
For fuel im planning on running the stock in tank fuel pump, found out in 89 the low psi pump in the tank was the same one they used in 87 when the trucks were still carbed. Also have a mallory return style regulator to get everything dialed in perfect.

First and main question, is it even worth it to put all this in w/o upgrading the heads? I know my stockers suck, but i dont have the money right now for new ones (trick flows are on my christmas list again this year, heres to hopin lol)
My questions are about the valve train. I know i still need new valve springs, but will stock replacements due, or should i be going aftermarket, 1.6 or 1.7?
and What about pushrods? will stock ones work, or will i need ones of a different length?

Sorry for the long post, im just so close to finally tearin this thing apart, i dont want to get b@!!$ deep and find out i missed something major

 

Seems to be matched pretty well. That's a first for newblet builds here lately.


Keep the stock heads for now until you can upgrade. Get a dremel or pneumatic die grinder and port the exhaust side. There should be info on the interwebz to tell you what to grind- check mustang forums.

Im a huge trickflow fan but look in to AFR 165 heads. More power for about the same $.


Get the springs to match your cam. Comp should have a # valve spring that correlates to that cam number. If you cant find it I'll look it up in my catalog. I would not use off the shelf parts store springs. Another thing to consider buying is retainers and locks. 7 or 10* steel would be fine. If your stock pushrods are of the correct length and you arent using aftermarket guides then i dont see why you couldnt use them. If they are the wrong length or you do have guide plates for some reason i would buy new Comp pushrods in the correct length and diameter. Stock is 6.876". Id stick with 1.6 rocker arms to keep things simple and stock. Harlan Sharp and Proform sell pedestal mount roller rockers that are pretty slick and wont break the bank.

 

Hi
When I built my engine I couldn't afford aluminum heads at that time with all the other parts I needed to purchase, so I purched a set of world heads at about half the price. The world heads by far exceeded the stock heads. You could do the same. Then when money is avaible for the trick flows or better yet the afr's, you could sell the world heads. Just some food for thought.
Best of luck with your project
Rich

 

lol good to hear that, ive been in the planning stages of this since about '06 lol

OK, did a quick look on comp's website, and they list 2 different part numbers for valve springs, both dual spring setups, and they say that both would need the head machined to work. That is a bill I would like to avoid. Id imagine they have a single spring that would work, maybe your book will have better luck that my internet.

As far as finding out if my pushrods are the correct length or not, thats something I really cant determine until i put the new cam in and start on reassembly, correct?

I keep forgetting that the 1.6 or 1.7 ratio you read about pertains to rocker arms, not valve springs, oops. Do you really think i should get new rocker arms, or will my stockers work fine?

I hate to keep asking all these questions about using stock parts, but the more I have to spend the longer this build will take to start, and Id like to get it done before 10 years have gone by lol. If it needs it it needs it, I dont want to do alot of work only to have a simple part cause a catastrophic failure, but if the difference is only a couple hp or mpg points, im willing to sacrifice that. Thanks for all your help man!

 

The Comp catalog says you need #986-16 or #987-16 springs. That what you come up with? Based off what Im seeing youre going to have to bite the bullet and have your heads machined for the springs. The cam is just too much for stock springs.
- not a problem with box stock assembled TFS or AFR heas

You will need to assemble the rotating assembly and bolt on the heads/rocker arms to check pushrod length. Its pretty likely that your current pushrods are fine.
- will be a problem with new heads. Height and geometry could change length.

Id keep the stock stamped rocker arms for now unless you have an extra $180 to spend.
- stock or stock style roller pedestal mount rockers will not work with TFS or AFR heads




Nothing wrong with stock stuff. It lasts hundreds of thousands of miles. In some places its worth spending the extra $$$ and others its just for show. I would not skimp on anything turning over 5000rpm in favor of a new set of shiney chrome valve covers or a type R decal.

 

Yup thats what i come up w/ too for valve springs... damn that sucks. So with this new info, looks like my "left to buy" list is down to just the springs, new keepers and retainers, and head work, as long as my pushrods check out. I know your in a different state and know different people, but any idea ballpark what getting my heads machined would run? Id strip them down before taking them in.

 

About $40-50 per head

 

I will tell you that I've learned recently to stay away from the tfs twisted wedge heads in racing applications. While they are a great head for a stock upgrade or mild street motor. The porting potential to really make them work just is not there when compared to a set of afr 205's that are similar in price will net more hp than the tfs' ever will. My buddy learned this after getting a set for his small block, so they will probably be going back up for sale to fund the new heads