How much power would be reasonable to pull from a 351W without going to extreme. I need a baseline for my build

 

It all depends on your definition of "reasonably" some would call a roller cam, aluminum heads, NOS, a turbo and/or stroking that 351 out to a 427 to be "reasonable". For just basic bolt on upgrades, I have found a good rule of thumb with the correct performance parts: headers, performance intake, 4-barrel carb, good cam, 9.5:1 compression or better, mild head work, performance plug wires, performance coil and an MSD ignition than 1 horse power per cube (give or take a cube) is an attainable goal. In other words a 300 HP 302 or a 400 HP 390.

 

Ford has 385hp 351w in their catalogs that are pretty straightforward setups. Aluminum heads, Victor Jr. intake, hyperutectic pistons, roller block and a hot stick. Nothing to it, except cash.

 

I didn't say it was a hard and fast rule just a rule of thumb. It the case you mention the aluminum heads are probably the 35 hp difference. When I was listing parts I was thinking a mild home done port and polish on a set of original cast iron heads.

 

You could easily get a well built 351W to put out over 400 crank hp in a streetable pump gas package, but it'll require $$$ and thoughtful part selection. Reasonable power depends on your definition of reasonable like was said, and how much you want to spend. A production 351W block will easily hold 600 flywheel hp without concern. Turbo, nitrous, supercharger etc, all cost money but dramatically boost performance. What do you want the car to do? Once you know what you want the car to do, then go from there and select the parts that'll make it happen.

 

Next time I try to convince the Mrs. that I need some parts, I am gonna try this line out

 

If you look at the magazine Engine Masters from a cople of months ago, they did a 302 with parts all from Summit and made 403 hp and it wasnt a fortune. They list part numbers and prices. This mag is really good because they aren't building engines like Roush or something. I will find out the month and let you know.