Another 351 question??????
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Junior User
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Another 351 question??????
Alright I finally tore into my early 70's 351 block I had sitting to the side. Im planning on putting this into my '89 5.0L truck and I definitely want to go with efi. I am not planning on using the iron heads nor the low compression pistons. This is obviously for a performance upgrade so i am looking for good power but I would rather spend my money rather wisely so used parts are fine with me. I got a question on intake and heads? I know I need a timing chain cover and new reverse water pump so to run the serpintine system. I am wondering if I could use the gt40 stuff that was put on the 351 lightnings? I know the intake is a huge part and the edelbrock from what I heard is not too much more than a stock intake and is kinda expensive for the power. Yet the lightning intakes are very hard to come by so what should I do? Is there any other options? Also if any one has a good opinion on what heads work good then I will be much appreciated. Sorry for the ramblin'.
Thanks in an advance for any tips.
Thanks in an advance for any tips.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I think the Edelbrock is a significant upgrade over the stock 5.8 manifold, maybe even better than the GT40 for truck applications.. it should produce better low rpm torque. Tons of good heads available from mild to wild. How much power you wnat to make?
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Junior User
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Well torque is obviously important to me but it is not a 4x4 so i am looking for great low end so to help move the weight while getting a good amount of horsepower out of it. I'm going to try to be realistic and shoot for around 275. Even though 300 would prefered.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Getting the powerband you want is all about the combination of parts you put together. I spent a lot of time with Desktop Dyno inputing different cam specs, playing with compression ratios, valve sizes, and such before I settled on the combination I have now. I wanted big torque and that's what I got. I doubt the software is 100% accurate with it's predictions, but it is not too far off from my experience and that of others I know that have used it. 275hp is certainly in the range of what the Gen1 Lightning motors could generate, so you don't have to stray far from stock to get to that level. The GT40 parts will get you there, as well as a package from Edelbrock. The stock heads are capable of performing well beyond what is popularly reported on the web. Some say they are junk, but others seem to have little problem making them work. They will become a bottle neck at some point however, and sinking more $$ into them may not be the most cost effective route to take.
Elder User
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Stock windsor heads will support more than 300 hp, but it's so much easier to get that much HP and more with improved heads, and without going to a too wild of a cam.
The iron head GT40 spec 351 actually made about 310 HP with a mild tourqe cam. A set of GT40 aluminum Turbo Swirl heads will put you into the mid 300's with a relatively mild cam. The more advanced head designs available now for this series of engines, are a major step forward in several ways, compared to the original designs or their derivatives, that date back to the early 60's.
The Edelbrock intake would probably work fine, or even a Cobra intake as a substitute for a GT40. You will want at least 24lb injectors.
The iron head GT40 spec 351 actually made about 310 HP with a mild tourqe cam. A set of GT40 aluminum Turbo Swirl heads will put you into the mid 300's with a relatively mild cam. The more advanced head designs available now for this series of engines, are a major step forward in several ways, compared to the original designs or their derivatives, that date back to the early 60's.
The Edelbrock intake would probably work fine, or even a Cobra intake as a substitute for a GT40. You will want at least 24lb injectors.
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Junior User
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Thanks Im thinking on trying to find a set of GT40 irons unless I can get a good deal on aluminums. The cobra intakes you are talkin about were made in 93-95 right?
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Elder User
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The Cobra intake can still be had new from places like Summit, usually for a good price. Yeah, it was used on the 93-95 Cobra Mustangs. It was also used on the 95 Cobra R's with 351's. It's a cast version of the tubular/welded GT40, and supports 450HP. You have to use a 351 lower on a 351. You have several options for a long runner intake; Edelbrock, TFS, FRP...
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Junior User
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Thanks i'll think about the cobra intakes i might be able to pick up a used one. I also like trick flow intakes. Are TFS intake systems any good? There prices arent that bad considering what it looks like you are getting.