351w or 400?
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351w or 400?
I have a dilema on my hands here. I am in the process of fixing up my 78 f150 and have run into a crossroads on engine choice. I am going to fix up the body first and build a motor as money comes in on the side, but not sure if I want a 351w or a 400. I currently have a 302 in the truck, so a 351w swap is easy as pie. On the other hand, I have a 400 block, crank and rods in the garage as well as other parts needed for the swap (bellhousing etc). All I really want out of this engine is 300+ hp and 400+tq, I know it's possible with both motors but I would like to do it as cheaply as possible and am leaning towards the 351w for the aftermarket support.
I have most of the parts on the 302 that could swap over to the 351w, whereas I would need to buy mostly everything for the 400 swap. I would just like everyone's opinion on this and different ways to build each motor to suit my needs. I would also like to retain some mpg (12-15 is fine), which is another part of leaning towards the 351w.
I am going to stick with a carb (600cfm holley dp) and 4spd (np435), if that effects any opinions.
I have most of the parts on the 302 that could swap over to the 351w, whereas I would need to buy mostly everything for the 400 swap. I would just like everyone's opinion on this and different ways to build each motor to suit my needs. I would also like to retain some mpg (12-15 is fine), which is another part of leaning towards the 351w.
I am going to stick with a carb (600cfm holley dp) and 4spd (np435), if that effects any opinions.
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From: Alabama
I agree with smoores...Go with the 351W...I just swapped my 351M out for a 351W....lots more power, (granted the 351M was ready for a rebuild) I have a C6 attached to mine, and love the power and torque...not sure what it is putting out, but my W was just rebuilt bored .30 over, etc, etc. Good luck, and have fun, and post some pics!
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From: Bangor, WA
Go with the 351, it will be cheaper to swap in, and it has extensive aftermarket support that almost rivals the SBC. You can get stroker kits for under 1000$ that will turn it into a 393, 408 or even a 427.
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OK, so if I choose to go with the 351w does anyone have any build specs for me to follow? or opinions on what I should go with? I would really like to keep it under $1000 for machine work and parts (minus cost of engine), so a stroker is out of the question.
This will be going into a truck that may get driven 2-3 days a week, but I would really like it to be a long reliable engine. I would really like to get 300+ hp and 400+ tq, but dont know how realistic that is, and in a truck I will take the most tq I can get over hp.
So if anyone has some opinions on what parts to go with, I would appreciate it.
Thanks
This will be going into a truck that may get driven 2-3 days a week, but I would really like it to be a long reliable engine. I would really like to get 300+ hp and 400+ tq, but dont know how realistic that is, and in a truck I will take the most tq I can get over hp.
So if anyone has some opinions on what parts to go with, I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: southeren Oh
If you are careful with your money at picking your parts, The 400 Can be built for the same money. I am just finishing a 400 up.
With the exception of the pushrods the valve train takes the same lifters as all 302s, 351s, and 460s. The rockers are the same as the 460s.
for the uniqe parts I'd shop on Ebay.
Intake manifolds are allmost always a good buy on ebay (they do not wear)
I think you be able to meet you HP and TQ goals easyier with a 400.
With the exception of the pushrods the valve train takes the same lifters as all 302s, 351s, and 460s. The rockers are the same as the 460s.
for the uniqe parts I'd shop on Ebay.
Intake manifolds are allmost always a good buy on ebay (they do not wear)
I think you be able to meet you HP and TQ goals easyier with a 400.
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oh yeah there is a few rebuild and max performance/on a budget books and step by step rebuild DVD's ( Engine Building, Carburetor Tuning & Transmission Rebuild Video and DVD - Torque Specs, Engine Specs & Firing Order ) Amazon.com: How to Rebuild the Small Block Ford-Color Edition (SA Design) (9781932494891): George Reid: Books
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From: Middle TN
$1000 is a tight budget for a full rebuild. Head work is getting expensive. A lot will depend on the condition of the donor engine.
HP = money. Talk to your local machine shop and ask lots of question, get quotes on rebuilding and parts. Sometimes machine shops have good leads on where to buy a good motor cheap.
HP = money. Talk to your local machine shop and ask lots of question, get quotes on rebuilding and parts. Sometimes machine shops have good leads on where to buy a good motor cheap.
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From: nor cal
PS out of personal experience the 351 would have to be my favorite engine not only because theres more aftermarket parts/cheaper but there is many parts that are interchangeable...ive always wanted to build a Clevor. or a boss 351 ectect
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
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oh yeah there is a few rebuild and max performance/on a budget books and step by step rebuild DVD's ( Engine Building, Carburetor Tuning & Transmission Rebuild Video and DVD - Torque Specs, Engine Specs & Firing Order ) Amazon.com: How to Rebuild the Small Block Ford-Color Edition (SA Design) (9781932494891): George Reid: Books
$1000 is a tight budget for a full rebuild. Head work is getting expensive. A lot will depend on the condition of the donor engine.
HP = money. Talk to your local machine shop and ask lots of question, get quotes on rebuilding and parts. Sometimes machine shops have good leads on where to buy a good motor cheap.
HP = money. Talk to your local machine shop and ask lots of question, get quotes on rebuilding and parts. Sometimes machine shops have good leads on where to buy a good motor cheap.
I honestly do not think $1000 is that bad, seeing as how most people say it takes anywhere from 3-500 for machine work on a basic rebuild. That would leave up to $500 for aftermarket parts (pistons, roller rockers, etc). I am not looking to do a full on build, just a stock rebuild with some performance parts for a little power boost over stock.
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If you are careful with your money at picking your parts, The 400 Can be built for the same money. I am just finishing a 400 up.
With the exception of the pushrods the valve train takes the same lifters as all 302s, 351s, and 460s. The rockers are the same as the 460s.
for the uniqe parts I'd shop on Ebay.
Intake manifolds are allmost always a good buy on ebay (they do not wear)
I think you be able to meet you HP and TQ goals easyier with a 400.
With the exception of the pushrods the valve train takes the same lifters as all 302s, 351s, and 460s. The rockers are the same as the 460s.
for the uniqe parts I'd shop on Ebay.
Intake manifolds are allmost always a good buy on ebay (they do not wear)
I think you be able to meet you HP and TQ goals easyier with a 400.
Thanks for all the help so far, keep it coming.
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