Tifford

as some of you guys know I'm going to take a 351w and turn it into a 408 stroker.

What way would you go? Buy an old engine with a lot of miles or go with a fresh block, pistons etc from a dealer?

The old engine seems like it could save a lot of money because you could save on some of the small items like bolts and such. You don't really know what your getting though. It could be a block with a crack in it.

The new start seems like a sure way to go but all the little stuff will add up to a big bill.

Which way would you experienced guys who have been there and done that go?

Tifford

Quik

old motor has to bee magnafluxed to see if its still good without cracks. then of course its going to need bored. you may not get a 408 you may get a 410 depending on how much clean up it needs. a new block will get you your 408 or you can just go 406 maybe. also new you can get a roller block

619socalstang

look for a used block with casting # D3-D5 you will want arp main and head studs, the differance in a 408 and 410 is 408 is.030 over and 410 is .040 over. i would not go roller block, blocks can be found in a local yard for under 300 running or about the same from the machine shop but no bolts or front cover, for all arp bolts and studs is about 400 bucks for everything front cover is like 110 bucks. you will need to get the crank,pistons,rods,bearings new

roundman

if you plan on keeping this engine a long time or using it for drag racing, you might want to consider getting one of Ford's sportsman racing blocks and save yourself the time and money spent trying to find and reconditon a good used one.
check out www.fordracing/performanceparts and look at M-6010-M351 or M-6010-N351, they retail for only $1795 and are stronger blocks with 4 bolts mains for racing purposes. no sense putting big bucks into a stoker only to have the block fail you.
you can find these blocks discounted also.

vfast

I would have the old block checked and build it...save the 1700.00 sh it 1700.00 will build a new street engine*L*

94Cbra

I agree with Vfast if your on a budget. If the block is good, then you would just waste your money on a new one.

Tifford

Well,

I'd love to go new but I'm a teacher who just finished a masters degree and so I'm on a budget. I think I'll take a chance on an old block. I would have waited if all of you had said to go new. I feel better about going old now.

Tifford