There is no substitute for CID. If you go for 350 with a 289 you will most likiely exceed the rpm limits of the engine. Shelby and his guys could only get 375 reliable hp with Webbers and all the money Ford could spend. With a 351 you can do it under 5500 rpm with very little high tech stuff going on.

 

the 351 is a better all round choice not only for poer but for durability the longer stroke will ensure more power with less rpm therefor less wear

 

I was thinking that I read on here that you could stroke the 289 without any problems. The only negative comments I saw, was that a 289 is harder to find than a 302. I guess I will be leaning heavily towards the 351W now.

 

While the 351 is a "larger version" of a 289/302, the 351 is built more heavily. Bigger main caps, thicker main webs, larger head bolts, heavier rods, etc. etc.

IMO, when comparing a 289/302 and a 351 pushing the same HP, the 351 would have to be considered generally more durable,and more soas the HP increases. Surely there are exceptions,,, but...