351w(393) daily driver??

es88gt · 09-14-2009, 02:14 PM

At some point I would like to build a motor for a 88 gt. I've been looking into either a 331 or stepping up the to the 351w block and proabably going with 393. I know that for the price, the 351 block is much stronger. However, im more worried about it being practical for a daily driver. I think maybe down the line Id like to supercharge it. But Id like to get some opinions here about what you would do as far as having a strong daily driver.

One thing im worried about is, a family friend of mine has a 68 mustang with a 351w in it. When ever he has problems with it, it seems more difficult to find the parts he needs,etc. Or like when he was figuring out the acc belts,etc it took him awhile to find the right combo,etc. And to this day, im not sure if hes got it all set up perfectly.

Also, i want to keep the factory a/c,etc....

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Adrenolin · 09-14-2009, 05:53 PM

I see no issues in a 351w daily driver. Stroking it out is your decision, though even a mildly rebuilt 351 can easily hit 400 ponies damned quick.

I just finished building up a 351w for our 67 and had no issues with parts. Complete tear down, machine work and then new everything. Still have all the original parts stored away in a box. Everything is aftermarket but anything you need to replace is available via Napa, Autozone, Summit, etc.

If your planning the build then start with the block, machining and an engine stand then start ordering your parts. You can buy everything from rebuilt heads to replacement stock oil pumps to a completely aftermarket setup. Many would come setup with throttle body injection however EFI setups are available or simply run a carb. If you can find a roller block your ahead of the game but fear not if you don't. CompCams makes a nice retro-fit roller setup to convert your flat tappet block over which I'd recommend. The retro-fit assembly requires 2 small holes to be drilled & taped in the valley.. Use a bit depth adapter on the drill bit and its easy work.

Its a bit more flashy then stock so you see which way we went.

Still some finishing details to do also. This will be my wife's daily driver once it finally hits the road end of this week.

jfritts · 09-14-2009, 06:50 PM

thats a nice setup you got there. how do you like the accessory bracket? as for the 351w there is a huge aftermarket base and i think once you look around there will be no trouble finding parts. as for being a dd and with the 393 it might take a toll on you mpg. im working on a 383 for my dd and im pretty sure theres a lot of other people running around with strokers that will chime in on streetability

Adrenolin · 09-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Thanks. The bracket is a March Performance Serpentine setup which includes the sanden a/c compressor, 140amp alternator, p/s pump w/remote reservoir, all mounting hardware, etc. Takes about 4 to 5 hours to assemble. Everything is polished and clearcoated.

lujandj · 09-21-2009, 11:52 PM

I run a 351 with a 383 stroker kit, mild cam and a Vortech V2 S-trim with 8 lbs of boost. I line in AZ so it sucks driving it during the summer months but from fall - early spring the car runs cool and makes good power. MPG does suck a little but I have a T56 so I use 5th and 6th a lot and keep shifts below 2,000.

es88gt · 09-23-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lujandj

I run a 351 with a 383 stroker kit, mild cam and a Vortech V2 S-trim with 8 lbs of boost. I line in AZ so it sucks driving it during the summer months but from fall - early spring the car runs cool and makes good power. MPG does suck a little but I have a T56 so I use 5th and 6th a lot and keep shifts below 2,000.

Is your supercharger kit made for the 351w? I can get a vortech v-1 for a 302from a friend for a good price. Wanted to find out how hard it would be to make it work on the 351. I read somewhere that you need to reclock the supercharger, not sure what that means or if its true??

I really cant decide on going with the 331 or 351........

Adrenolin · 09-23-2009, 11:07 PM

The 351w is a stronger block. If you have neither to start with why wouldn't you go with the stronger one? Stronger block, more starting cubes, easily available parts, etc. I don't see why you wouldn't go with the 351.