i think as long as u use high quality parts u should get decent life out of the stroker any way, the 351 holds up to stroke alot better then a 302.

 

okie here is the deal, I can get a bracket from kb to mate to a 351 lower, since I originally ordered my s/c from them, they will support it. So here are the final options on the table. I want a new shortblock either way, no overbore or reman crap...

#1 Ford Racing 302 shortblock with explorer cam , AFR 165 heads
This is a nice replacement for my stock 302, everything should bolt up nicely including lower intake manifold/supercharger setup. I have heard mixed things about aluminum heads for a daily driver? Whats your opinions on alum heads vs cast iron.


#2 Ford 351w crate longblock. The problem with this is that its a crate engine designed for OLDER cars. Which means it comes with the V belt waterpump, carberator lower intake, duraspark distributor, lotsa other stuff that has to be switched. Good point is additional displacement and 8.5:1 compression ratio, bad part is I have no idea where to begin to look for the stock bronco 351w lower intake manifold that the supercharger is compatible with (cant use aftermarket edelbrock, etc). Also would need distributor, oil pan, lotsa other stuff, and probably my nice shiny new bassani exhaust setup would be incompatible.

Dunno which way to go with this.

 

I would think about having a good machine shop build you exactly what you want, this way you can get the strength and quality you need to hold up to a forced induction along with picking out all of your own parts that are compatible with your set up.

Also, the aluminum heads are not as prone to detonation and you can order them o-ringed, both really good for your blower set up.

 

well u can start by looking for a 351w lower on ebay, i dont know ur setup but the edlebrock 351 lower is alot more like a 302 lower as far as ports, its just a bit wider to comp for the lil bit wider vally

 

the 302 and 5.8 lower are not even close in design.

 

but the edlebrock look similar..