88 rubber eater

hey guys. I was thinking today as I flipped through my 5.0 magazine. I saw all of the assemblies and kits for stroking your 302. I must say that this really interests me, becasue I can get more displacement with the same engine, basically. But are you better off just getting a 351 and dropping that in your engine bay. What would need to be done to it, since its not a high performance engine like the 302?

88 rubber eater

what do you guys think?

Sons1stCar

I don't know how much truth there is to it but, I was told a while back that a 351 is taller than a 302 and that there is a kit with different brackets to use when putting a 351 in a 5.0 Mustang.

ddeaton66

the ole saying goes "there's no replacement for cubes" Stroking an engine is a definate improvement in HP & torque but it has its price, the parts for one thing are not too cheap and some say longivity is reduced though I will not get into that discussion here.

Swapping for a 351 is a definate improvement also as you start out with more cubes and a somewhat stronger block that can later be stroked itself for even more cubes should you choose. It also has its price. as exhaust pieces no longer fit due to an increase in deck height, flywheels and dampners have to be matched, usually 28oz rather that 50oz like your 5.0L, all these things add up, o and hood clearance becomes an issue also an aftermarket hood is generally needed.

It's a tough choice and you should do alot of research.

88 rubber eater

Do you know any websites that have details about doing a swap like that? I found a kit in the 5.0 mustang and super fords magazine with the crank, rods, pistons, and main journal, and there might be another piece too, ill have to check, but it was only about 600. Ill read the article agfain then repost. Does that sound like a decent deal to you at least?

ZachW04Stang

Stroker kits normally require that the block be bored, since most I've seen come with .030 over pistons but they also require machine so the rods or crank don't hit the block.

2 kwik

well going to a 331 is nice..but will the car ever see nitous or other power adders..because the 351 is a much better starting point

w8less

600 bucks sounds real cheap. my 347 kit cost me almost 1800 bucks

88stangaruu

Dont buy cheap engine parts, you can shop around but atleast spend $1200 or more on a complete 302 stroker rotating assembly. Just for peace of mind. And when putting a 351 in a fox, always get a bigger hood. Never go with the drop motor mounts, it offsets your pinion angle in your rear end. But you will need differnt headers, new flywheel, balancer. And if you get a block thats pre-1994 your going to have to get special lifters to convert it over to a roller. After 1994 all the 351 blocks are rollers, but arent as strong as the pre 94 blocks. I'd personally keep an eye out for a 1969-74 block, they're generally the strongest, can hold up to around 750hp ive heard, then again some say less, some say more. But a nicely built 351 can get you into the low 12's high 11's. If i had the money id build a cheap-o 393, which consists of using 302 pistons, stock 351 rods and a $399 Scat stroker crank. Then have your 351heads ported or buy some aluminum heads. 302 and 351 heads are inter-changable so all aluminum heads for 302 will fit 351's.

tinman

The Fox body 'stangs have about 56-58% of the cars wieght on the front wheels.
A 351W will add about 50# to this so you'll end up at 58-60% of wieght on front if you stay with all production parts.
I think that the 347 stroker is the better way to go as the power level will be about the same with equal execution.
Cost on the better 347 kits is now down to where a 347 kit is more more $$ than just rebuilding a 302 with the same grade of parts....
351W ends up lots more money as you need hood $(400), oil pan $(300), headers $(400+), that $1100 just right there.......