I'm going to need to put an engine in my truck this fall/winter and I'm trying to decide which way I want to go with it. I've already worked out most of what I want. The only variable at this point is which short block I want to use. The truck is a 2WD '52 Ford F-2. Don't be fooled by the year. She ain't going to be no trailer queen. For all intents and purposes, it's a 3/4 ton truck and I'm going to use it for one. The rest of the powertrain is going to be a ZF 5-speed OD transmission and a Dana 60 with 3.73:1 gears. The message here will be torque and economy. I want to haul stuff and pull trailers with it, not do wheel stands or drag race.

I've got a .030 over 351W short block for another back-burnered project that I could use. It's a reman with less than 10K miles on it. It's been bagged and stored for several years, but the last time I looked it over I noticed that one cylinder has started to grow a little rust. It would probably clean up without pulling it apart. My other option is a 5.0L stroked to a 347. I've got a 5.0L that a friend of mine ran out of oil in his truck and locked up. I'm sure that the bottom end is trashed, but the block should be fine. It would be a perfect candidate for a stroker kit. In either case, the heads will be GT40P's off an Explorer and it'll get stock truck iron exhaust manifolds and EFI. I've got two complete truck EFI setups. One for a 5.8 and one for a 5.0L. The cam will depend on the motor choice.

Dimensionally, they are very close. The bore will be the same either way and there is only a 1/10th of an inch difference in stroke. The 351W's advantages are an extra 10 cubic inches and I already have it ready to go. It is a flat tappet block, though. The 347's advantages are less weight, smaller and more efficient journal diameters, a more compact package that will probably be easier to plumb for exhaust, 1-piece main seal, and the block I have is already set up for a roller cam. Between the stroker kit, balancing, and block work, I figure I'd have $1400 or so tied up in assembling the 347.

At this point I could go either way. If I build the stroker, I need to start hiding my nickels and dimes from momma NOW, though. If I use the 351W, I'll have to replace it later when I need it for the other project. Thoughts, experience, or advice?

 

wouldnt it be cheaper to just get the 351 block set up for a roller cam? also ive heard that the 347 dosent hold up well. no personnel experiance just heresay

 

The 347 durability problems were solved years ago with revised rod lengths and piston designs. The general consensus now is that they will last as long as anything else. As for the roller cam, it's a plus for the 347, but not mandatory. I wouldn't pop for the $500 to convert the 351W for this application. It would just get a flat tappet instead. I'm interested in hearing from someone who has a 347 in a truck. Most of the 347's that get built end up in Fox Mustangs. I know the 351W makes a good, torquey truck engine, but I'm curious how the 347 compares. On paper, it looks comparable, but I'd like to hear how they do in the real world.

 

The 347 will make torque like the 351w, but the 351w would probably be the way to go as you already have it together and ready. Nothing wrong with flat tappet.

 

You could spend a few hundred more and buy an assembled balanced 347 short block from ford strokers. Blue Oval Rage I'll be dropping my 347 in my 53 within the next week.
I know I'll be happy with the results! The only difference between the stang and any other vechile you can put one in, is what cam, heads and intake you use. 347's are just not for stangs only. Good luck with your build.

 

Another vote for the 351, and spend the stroker $$ on heads and you'll have a real stump puller on your hands.

 

351W is the way to go for torque. the 347 will last a much shorter time with side loading of the increased stroke. btw you can have 3.5" stroke already with STOCK 351 displacement than spending money on boring and buying the 347 kit. you can invest the same amount of money into the 351W or less, and come out with a 393W, very cheap to build for 40 more cubes also more reliable. Heads are key, there ate the famous GT-40 heads or you can get some edelbrocks on the cheap (a set is on craigslist for $800) or step up to some mighty AFR's. just a thought

 

Reviving this thread from the dead. I agree the 351 is the best choice for Joe. Just for conversations sake, here is why the 347 is very popular. You'll note they don't apply to Blue Oval rage's application.

-When retaining your EFI in a Mustang, choices are much better for popular supporting pieces (i.e. performance intake manifold choices are far better for 5.0 block).

-351W is heavier, weight savings is worth about a .10 ET on the dragstrip.

-351W crank while strong, is also heavier and doesn't appreciate rpms quite as much.

-351W is taller and won't clear most Mustang hoods.

-5.0/302 longtube header install/removal is a horrible experience. If it's possible to be worse, a wider motor might do it.

-Most contemplating the swap already own the supporting accessories, brackets and pulleys for a 5.0/302 block

-Its just cool to say "Yeah, I'm runnin a stroker".

 

Well, that last one certainly applies! Seriously, there are several other things about the 347 that I find attractive. The narrower package might make plumbing my exhaust easier in the '52's dinky engine bay. Less weight and smaller journal diameters will also contribute to better fuel economy. I'm leaning towards the 351W, though. I need to give it a close inspection before I make a firm decision. If the rusty cylinder in the 351W needs honed then I'd might as well freshen the rest of it up. At that point, I'd be more inclined to just build the 347.