Anybody care to recommend a crate motor (289/302 block) to replace the 351W in my '65 2+2? The 351 is just too tight in the compartment to make working on it any fun and the heads are such (Alan Root aluminum w/'D' ports) that headers cannot be easily sourced. The custom built ones in it now are a nightmare to deal with and have to be removed to even get the bellhousing off.

So, instead of replacing the heads, header and cam (current one is solid lifter) for more streetable, ergonomical ones, I'm considering a new crate engine. FWIW, the 351W has been in storage for nearly 10 years and has about 80k on it).

I saw this motor on Ebay which looks to be well priced and still pretty spirited. EBAY link

The place has good feedback and it can be to my door for $3200. The aluminum heads appear to be foreign knock-offs, but from what I can tell on a websearch, people seem to be happy with them.

Anyway, any comments on this engine or a recommendation for a similar (or cheaper) priced alternative in the 325hp to 350hp or so range.

Thankss for the feedback!

 

looks good to me

 

You're right about questioning the heads - see attached link. http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...EditorsCorner/

 

i was going to buy this engine but i asked the guy many questions about it and every responce was long and dint fully answer me, he seemed like he was trying to get around my Q's...i bought a ford racing crate engine and just changed the cam. it puts out more then that engine with the right set up. mine was dynoed at 402hp and the engine says 345 out of the crate so... up to you.

 

Volcom,

What specifically did you not like about his engines? His feedback is flawless and his prices competitive. After changing the cam and adding an intake manifold, I'd guess you're probably into yours for over $4000?

I'm not against spending money for a good product, however, I'm also earmarking several $$$$ for the paint. Oh yeah, I just had to pay over $2K yesterday for a rebuild tranny and new chromoly axle shafts for my Jeep rockcrawler. []

FWIW, the Ford crate engine was the first I looked into, and not ruling it out, I'm exploring other bang for the buck options.

BTW, is that a cable clutch conversion I see in your pic? If so, which one are you using and how are you liking it? Any interference issues with a vacuum brake booster?

 

why not go with a 347 stroker? pretty bad motors, 400+ hp, and all in a 302 sized package

http://www.tandlengines.com/Street_E...Ford/ford.html

 

dcohen,

Do you have or no anybody who has that engine? That is an intriguing option. I do like the fact that they apparently run them and dyno them to make sure everything is well.

FWIW, I emailed the EBAY link and got a nice, detailed response. They buy the offshore heads bare, machine and modify to their liking and then assemble them. They'll build the engine with early or late model dampeners and with or without the early clutch linkage boss. Decsions, decisions ...

 

The heads on that engine are fine. I have a friend who built a AC Cobra and used those heads. He loves them enough to recommend them to me. On e-bay you can get them for about $750. Compare that to $1000+. I guess a guy can buy the pro-comps and have enough cash left over to buy a new MSD distributor

 

That's not a bad price. I wish I had 6 grand to get this one.
http://www.proformanceunlimited.com/289_350dropAL.html

 

check into a dss short block with some afr heads nice power and decent price maybe even a stroker and then mail the 351 to my house