68MustangCoupe

Ok... I know this is down the line a bit because of other stuff i need to fix on my car first... *Floor pans... wiring... cleaning out nests left by critters -which on the subject, is there an easy way to clean out that black round vent thing that's like RIGHT in front of the wiper pump thing?... there's leafs and twigs in there-* but I was curious... Can a 302 be easily modded to make like 350 ish horsepower? Or would it just be easier to buy a 351 and go from there? I mean, I know each will eventually need a rebuild... but yea that's basically it... 302 or cheaper/easier with a 351w?

Thanks!

*Thinking about it, I think I'll just look for a 351W anyway Just because I CAN!*

Randys66gt

That vent is held in with 3 nuts. Put the seat all the way back and get upside down. The one in the back next to the firewall is the hard one but using a 1/4" drive will help.
I went with a windsor cuz I built the engine while still having the car running. Instant torque for basically the same cost and I kept driving the car.

Starfury

350hp out of a 302 isn't a problem, but you're not likely to get there with a stock bottom end.

400hp out of a 351W isn't a huge challenge, so 350 would be cake work. I'd still recommend a rebuild, though. On the upside, you could build a 351W while you've got the 302 in the car.

Basically, it comes down to how much money you have to spend.

68MustangCoupe

thanks for the info! Just what I wanted to hear!

4reboy

if you want more power for cheaper go for the 351w, you have more power starting out so it will only take a little bit to get the 351w to 350 hp. A 4bbl 351 was rated at 290hp back in 69, so with a moderate cam, intake, carb and headers you should be at 350 no problem, all while keeping the stock bottom end and whatnot.

A 302 on the other hand you'll have to put a lot of work into the bottom end to get 350hp as starfury said. You'll definitely need new heads and other things so the cost will definitely be higher than starting out with a 351.

On another note, the 351w and 302 share a LOT of parts (heads, fuel pump, oil pan, timing cover [i think], valve covers, and more and more) and both engine parts are equally inexpensive, so you can't go wrong.

The main draw back for you is the 351w is a bigger engine than the 302, so it will be harder to get it into the 68 since they didn't originally come with them. However, the engine compartments should be plenty big enough that it shouldn't be a real challenge.

Good luck with what you decide to do!

jcoby

heads aren't exactly the same. the 351w uses larger 1/2" bolts and hence has larger holes. 351w heads will fit on a 302 but not vice-versa. early 351w heads are a different design.

the FE big block was an option for '67-'68 cars; i don't think that fitting the 351w will be a problem

68MustangCoupe

Thanks everyone! 351w is definatly the way I will go then.

Semi-engine question for who ever reads next and can answer... I was looking on Yearone and Heads are like, expensive... but yea... anyway, The Ford Racing Head components. If I bought those, and rebuilt the heads of a 351 with the Ford Racing components... when I got one... and gave it a good port and polish. Would that yield good results?

THUMPIN455

Both 351s fit just fine in the 67-68 engine bay.

351C 2V in the red Cougar in my sig. Fits like it was meant to be there, used the 302 mounts that were in the car. Bolted right in.

buckatron5000

how would a 351w fit into a 65' coupe?