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Author
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Topic: Good or so-so 351W?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1746
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-11-2002 04:19 AM
   
I know there have been threads about this, but I can't find the right ones  There are some issues about early versus mid-70s and later 351W's -- heads and pistons, I think. Well, I've got a bead on a 351W two-barrel from a '77 Clubwagon. On the sticker it says that it complies with EPA regs (bad!) for heavy duty engines (maybe good), and in bold letters it says NON-CATALYST (which must be good!) Before I start tearing the thing down, does this look like a loser or a winner?
Thanks!
Simon
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bluetech
Gearhead Posts: 254
From: Far and Away
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 01-11-2002 08:29 AM
Simon:I think pre '75 are better than the newer ones. [This message has been edited by bluetech (edited 01-11-2002).]
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Clark
Gearhead Posts: 592
From: Rowlett,Texas
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 01-11-2002 09:58 AM
Sorry, I have to say loser. The block and rods might be worth something but that is about it.
The guy that machined my 69 block is still cusing me about how hard the metal was. Try and find an older one but I know they are getting harder to find.------------------
69 351W Sportsroof Deluxe
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Rustang1
Gearhead Posts: 110
From:
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 01-11-2002 01:01 PM
It all depends on what level you're building at. You can definitely see a difference in the main webs between early blocks and late, and 1977 would fall in the late catagory. Early blocks are alot heavier. Crank should be okay, late model rods should be better than early because of spotfaced bolt seats as opposed to broach cut early units. (Although I suspect the early rods may be better material. I remember grinding on a set of early rods compared to late and the early seemed to be harder to cut.) More than likely the heads are large chambered smog units with 302 size (small) valves. The way I always identified the smog heads was by looking at the spark plugs (early units take a 13/16" socket instead of 5/8") and the early units had press in rocker studs and cast rockers as opposed to bolt down stamped rockers.
Bottom line is at something like the
300-350hp level that motor should live forever with existing rods/block/crank. If you're looking at something like 450hp+, you're starting to get on the ragged edge and may need to spend some coin on stouter stuff ------------------
1968 Mustang,Clevor,C4
1969 Torino 351C 4spd
1978 F150 460 C6
1978 F150 351W C6
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