bdptcob

This will be my first engine build so it'll be a learning experience. Thinking about buying this 351 short block. Wanted to get some opinions on it before making the buy. All suggestions are welcome. I'm opting for a 351 because I want more power than a 302 but not break the bank on a stroker engine. Thanks in advance.

**edited to say I realize I posted this in the wrong section but I cannot delete it. Sorry.

FLcracker9

I'll give you my opinion. These short blocks are usually mass produced, so the tolerances aren't what a custom machine shop would give you. This short block comes with cast pistons and plain rings, which are standard on most remanufactured engines. It probably comes with a re-ground factory camshaft, instead of a new one. It may be fine for daily driverreplacement motor, but if you plan to install any performance adders, I would look for something built with better parts. If you are on a budget, there are companies that offer a little more bang for the buck. 2 years ago I purchased a 351W non-roller shortblock from a company called Faster50, and it came with Sealed Powerhypereutectic pistons, moly rings, clevite bearings and a melling high volume oil pump & Fel Pro gaskets. It also carrieda 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty, and they were great to deal with. That short block was $989 delivered to my residence (from NC to FL), and has performed great in my Son's truck (86 F150 4X4, Comp Cams 270 cam, GT40P heads w/crane roller rockers, 725 Demon carb, headers, AOD w/2500 stall converter). So, shop around before you make a decision. Again, nothing beats a custom rebuild from a machine shop, but quality parts + shop labor = $$$$

bdptcob

Thank you very much. After a bit more research, I see that fordstroker.com has a 331 or 347 for $1800 which is less than what I thought it was going to run me. I think I'll go that route and save myself from the idiosyncrasies of a 351w.

FLcracker9

Much better choice!

WhiteWindsor

No need for that engine. If your looking for performance you would change the pistons and cam anyway. The 351 is a great block that can be found for cheap. Find an old one and leta machine shop clean it up for you and buy the parts you want on it. You can go to a junkyard and pull one for cheap or could get lucky and find one at a machine shop that someone never came to pick up or they might just have one sitting around. And of course you have the potential for a bigger engine when stroked. The stroked 302's are nice but you can get a windsor block already with more ci than a 347 and have a stronger block to boot. This is just my preference and i'm sure others would disagree. So i guess we can all agree to disagree?

PJC Racing

Very good choice!