I pulled apart my tired 351W to find that it's already been bored 0.040" over, so I'm looking around for a new block. I am having a *really* hard time finding a block that is not a "racing" block and costs $3000 or a block that's already 0.030" over and needs "a little work" for a few hundred bucks. Any ideas on a good source near NC?

The engine in the truck is a 351W with a casting code of E3AE-6015-BA 19 and a date code of 4G24 which is July 24, 1984. The heads are D80E, which I presume are probably the original heads.

1) What blocks arre going to be compatible with my existing heads/etc. Are there certain "preferred" engine years to look for. I just read an entire book, so I know about the Mexican blocks and stuff, but I need something inexpensive and more importantly, local. So I need a rough idea of what I can use. I've got all the smog stuff but I think that pertains to the heads mainly.

2) Can/Should I switch to roller rockers, this seems to be a simple way to reduce engine frictional losses?

3) Any point to having these heads reworked as long as they are not out of spec? Can I get any gains out of them?

I am trying to figure out if it is worth it to obtain a new complete shortblock or to find a usable block instead.


Thanks,

Bryan

 

If you want to use roller rockers with the stock heads you have to remove the press in studs and convert them to screw in studs. Have the smog bumps removed from the passages for better flow. My personal favorite for roller rockers are Comp Cams Pro Magnum Roller Rockers. They are expensive, but will last long after the other brands break. Plus, they are rebuildable.