Making a 351m better

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Dec 22, 2012 | 01:35 AM

vidalia

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From: Deary Idaho

Making a 351m better

Ok have been reading many sources on what to do and would like some input I am planning on getting a cam/ valvetrain set in fact I really like this set COMP Cams Dual Energy Cam and Lifter Kits K32-206-3 - SummitRacing.com my question is for roller rockers all I can find are aluminum for 351 my question is would aluminum be a bad choice? I have many backyard mechanics who own chevys around me saying that they would not hold up because they are aluminum... an article i doing research referenced these COMP Cams Magnum Steel Roller Tip Rocker Arms 1411-16 - SummitRacing.com , I am also considering shaving the heads for better compression the shop told me I could go up to 0.025 I am not sure I want to shave it that much by doing the math if I go the full 0.025 assuming my ratio is the 8.0 to 1 I would raise compression to 8.5 to 1... the engine is a stock 1978 351m... also have ordered a edlebrock 600 and manifold plan on doing this all in one swoop but need to buy the pieces as I have the money ....

Dec 22, 2012 | 06:15 AM

parkerparkerm

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From: Plant city florida

I want to do something to my 400 kinda like what you are planing on doing except I have the intake and carb already. Do you have headers already or not?

Dec 22, 2012 | 06:22 AM

F-250 WARHORSE

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From: starship enterprise

I think you are on a good track. I would get headers as well, and then you should have a tractor for a truck engine.

Dec 22, 2012 | 07:49 AM

79F150400M

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From: Arlington,Wa

The aluminum rockers should not be a problem. I've had a set on my 400 since 1996 and I rarely spin the engine over 4500. I'm using big block Chevy roller rockers but would like to swap them out for a set of 1.73 ratio rockers. Maybe this spring I'll be able to get that done.

Dec 22, 2012 | 08:40 AM

hairyboxnoogle

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They can mill more than that off, but it gets into more work. .025 isnt very much, if you go any less it wont really be worth it. Other than that carb, intake and headers and you should be in pretty decent shape.

Dec 22, 2012 | 12:26 PM

vidalia

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From: Deary Idaho

yep was planning on doing the headers....showed this to hubby and he said that if I am going to this I just as well do the block crank, pistons ect.....he must really want to spend money...lols....any suggestions I am thinking if I do that i should just as well go with 400 pistons , crank, and harmonic balancer...any suggestion on what I would want to look for in pistons I looked for a minute and got confused going to have to do more research I guess.....

Dec 22, 2012 | 02:37 PM

NW 150

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Ohio

I'd add a set of headers. And with the addition of headers, I'd take a look at these cams instead:

COMP Cams High Energy Cam and Lifter Kits K32-219-3 - SummitRacing.com

COMP Cams High Energy Cam and Lifter Kits K32-221-3 - SummitRacing.com

They both work with a C/R between 8:1-9:1 and emphasize on the low and mid range power.

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Dec 22, 2012 | 03:36 PM

vidalia

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From: Deary Idaho

any opinions on edlebrock cams? I have always been around comp. and lunati but I guess edlebrock does complete packages from carb to cam....

Dec 22, 2012 | 06:54 PM

#10

vidalia

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From: Deary Idaho

ok so if I did the math right if I use this COMP Cams High Energy Cam and Lifter Kits K32-221-3 - SummitRacing.com and my 1.72 rockers I will increase lift to .849 (.494x1.72)

Dec 22, 2012 | 10:20 PM

#11

J ballan

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From: Saskatchewan

Making a 351 better.

Simple answer, change it into a 400. Tmyer pistons and a 400 crank, haul a$$.

Dec 26, 2012 | 02:56 PM

#12

vidalia

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From: Deary Idaho

the fun thing is if I put a 400 crank and pistons and harmonic balancer in I do not have a 351 cubic inch anymore per se if I did the math right I would have something close to a 408....