I have a 351w block, I'm not sure what it came out of and the best I can find out about it is, it's from the mid 70s truck or work van. I also have a 302 block out of a 71 fastback. I was wondering which block would be the best way to go to make around 350-400 hp and the option to run a lot of N20 occasionally at the track. I hope to get in the high 10s to low 11s... But yet i want it to be some what streetable for weekend cruises. Also, I know the max HP for a 351w is between 700-800hp...But what is the max you should push a 302 at?

Thanks a lot and looking forward to getting to know you guys.

 

The 351 is your best bet for more power without killing the motor...but 700-800 hp with a stock block is unreasonable if you want any durability.

 

The 302 is harder to get more horses out, but the are quicker horses. The 302 revs very quick and is good for a light car. You have to drive them at a high rpm to get power.

 

My choice would be the 302.

 

If you're looking for 350-400 before juice, you'll need a pretty stout 351. I agree that you'll need a serious bottom end to handle a big shot of nitrous.

 

with forged pistions do you think I can get a 150-200 shot for a 1/4 mile run every now and then?

 

it's a no brainer..the 351w.. with a nice steel crank and some good rods and forged piston you'll be ok and top it off with some aluminum heads with atleast a 2.02 valve..coarse you could always stoke it to a 408

 

Go back and read what he said. The engine is out of a truck. Not the same motor you are thinking of. Trucks had the 351M engine. Not the 351W.

 

Actually, Ford put 351HOs, which are Ws, into F250s in the 80s. The Ms were in the 70s. The Ws lived from 69 to 9X IIRC, lots of blocks around.
The original poster should find the casting number on the block and we can figure out exactly what he has. If it is an M, poor dude has to start over.

 

the guy i bought it from told me it was a W, i guess I better make sure now...