I need some opinions on which block is better overall. It is between a 351 block, siamese bore or non-siamese bore? Also, which deck height is better, 9.200" or 9.500" and why? I want to possibly build my own engine from one of these new blocks, stoke it to a 408, but I am not sure what theadvantages are. I know the siamese bore doesn't allow coolant to flow between the cylinders. Thanks.

 

The siamese bore is more stable at high rpm's and heavy loads. But it doesn't cool as well. If you're going to use a mechanical cam and run the rpm's to 8K, get the siamese block.

Deck height doesn't really matter that much. But you have to get the right parts to fit the block. That means pistons and intake manifold.

 

Siamese bores are stronger blocks. It depends on how much power you plan to build. And 9.2 is Cleveland deck height and 9.5 is Windsor deck height, it's easier to get stuff for a 9.5 DH block, since 9.2 limits you to fewer intake manifolds.

 

Or get a dart block which is a Cleveland crank and Windsor rest of the engine.

 

Yeah I was looking at those dart blocks too. I 've heard good things about those, heavy duty blocks. How is the cleveland crank different? I will definately go with the siamese block though, it looks like that is the bore to go with for my application. I want to push about 450hp and the same for torque, if not alittle more.

 

I think the Cleveland crank journals are bigger then a Windsor.

 

they are smaller allows it to rev quicker

 

Cleveland journals are smaller so there's less drag. And for 450hp there's no need to waste money on an aftermarket block. A stock 302 block is good to 500-550hp if tuned well, and a 351W or C stock block will take 600-650 safely. A basic 351W build with good heads and induction will make 450hp easily at around 6,000rpm.

 

yeah a nice 351w build with some canfeilds mmmm tasty

 

Canfields aren't basic. But yeah, a set of Canfield heads, a custom solid roller, Air Gap intake and some lightweight internals with a good carb, that'll definately get into the 450hp range, prolly closer to 500.