"Lacks in timing" ????? That's a stretch. As far as crank journal size; While the 3.0" mains on the 351 may be stronger, larger journal surfaces are actually detrimental to high performance/high RPM running.

I prefer Fords. I also know there are distinct advantages/disadvantages for both GM and Ford.

Why do Hotrodders prefer GM? Don't know. But I don't think it has ANYTHING to do with cost. These guys spend huge bucks on these rigs and a few hundred bucks aint gonna break the bank to run a blue oval. The size difference is also nearly non-existent with the sepentine belt/short water pumo setup.


Besides, Boss 429's are only $200.........

 

[QUOTE=DOHCmarauderWhy do Hotrodders prefer GM? Don't know. But I don't think it has ANYTHING to do with cost. These guys spend huge bucks on these rigs and a few hundred bucks aint gonna break the bank to run a blue oval.[/QUOTE]
are you kidding? I have seen these idiots spend 3k on a paint job, several thousand on the interior, $800/ea for rims, and stick a bone stock SBC in with some chrome on it, they don't care one ioda about performance or even if it has an engine. I have seen $100,000 show car that didn't even have pistons in the engine (trailer queen with chromed brake rotors, and all) they want to spend the money on the "pretty' stuff, but won't spend a dime on performance that doesn't make it look better or even have to think about it. they can buy cheaply the motor mounts, and conversion kits to stuff a SBC in about anything but if you want to drop a 351w you either actually have to design, and build mounts, headers etc or pay more money to have someone else do it.

 

I am no motor expert and I am only tring to repeat what I read which was well over a year ago. I wish I would have saved that article because I am not the best at telling the story again. It was good reading.

 

The hot rodders like the SBC because any moron and build one up by walking into a parts store and buying some pieces. With a Ford you have to think about it because the parts guy sure as h*ll won't have a clue.

 

I'm sorta thinking we're saying the same thing It aint because the Chevy is cheaper, because money does not seem to be a problem. Maybe because the Chev is more main stream? (kinda ironic because these rods are "supposed" to express individuality) I really can't put my finger on the reason. But I honestly don't think these guys are concerned about cost.

BTW, a $3,000 paint job on a rod now-a-days would be a flat bargain!!!

 

Let me assure you the higher performance version of the 351 blocks(NASCAR) all run the smaller Cleveland size mains (2.75" I believe) There are even kits to run the thicker bearings and smaller journals in otherwise stock Windsor blocks.

I'm still not sure how the distributor in the rear is any hinderance. In fact, it makes for a stronger supercharger set up if so inclined.

 

Back to the Boss 429: If someone did in fact pay $200 for one, that might have been the buy of the century. There was something like 1000 made, total? The engine had a strange history, it was a NASCAR piece, and was supposed to be in the Torino Talladega and the Cyclone GT Spoiler, but Ford was going to loose too much money on those cars with just the body modifications that the decision was made to stick them in Mustangs. Great idea, except that they didn't fit in Mustangs. The Mustangs had to be extensively modified to take the 'Shotgun', and the result was not a really great car. Yes, the Boss 429 was the most exotic V-8 out there, but the intake ports and valves were WAY too big for a street engine, and the exhaust system was a joke. A halfway decent 428 SCJ Mach I could eat a Boss 429 for lunch, and I won't even bring up what Hemi 'Cuda would do to one. But then again, the only reason for the Boss 429 Mustang was to legalize the Boss 429 as a 'production' engine for NASCAR, and it did do that. Unfortunately, the Boss 429 didn't really live up to it's great expectations on the track, either. It was only seriously campaigned for a couple of seasons before NASCAR went small block, and there was just not enough development time to unlock the potential. A few were tried in NHRA with some success, though.

 

this is very true. Does anyone remember the "Chicayne" that Rad Rides by Troy built? It was on hot rod tv and the mag. Anyways, That thing had a 1000+ HP twin-turbo'd 400 SBC in it and the turbos created so much heat the guys had to tap in an external coolant line from the water pump directly inbetween the middle exhaust ports. You can see the lines if you look at the pictures of the car.