Idon't know how many know but I recently bought a 69 Fastback that I thought had a 351W in it. It actually had a modified 302. The shop I took my car to has over 20+ years of experience in restoring and restomodding mustangs. It's a strong running engine but I want to eventually change it out to a 351W and have around 500 hp. It is a weekend cruiser and I have plans to go to car shows. The owner told me I could build an engine cheaper than just buying a crate engine. I do not have alot of mechanical knowledge or the tools to do it. My question to all of you is, is it better to build or buy and where should I look?

Like I said this is for street use and I'll probably never race it but since my main car is a 4 banger for gas economy I'd like to have something with more power.

Just looking for suggestions.

Thanks very much,

 

Well, if you're building a bperformance engine and have no idea what to do, get someone to help you. Otherwise you'd prolly be better of paying someone to do it.

 

What is your budget? Unlike what alot of people in the world seem to think....500 HP (and a car that can handle it) doesn't grow on trees.

 

Oh pssshhhh, you just don't read enough overinflated gains magazine articles is all.

500hp grows on a money tree I think.

 

Ya 500hp does grow on trees.

Theres one right in my backyard, the mustangs and camaros are coming in quite nicely.







One thing they need to look at is the block. To make sure it is in good condition and all that. A weak block wont hold up to hundreds of hp.

 

Well this is going to be a long build because I want to do it right. I was estimating 10k for the engine and putting a Tremec TKO600 transmission to handle it. I'd like to get at least 450 hp b/c what's the point in having a muscle car with no muscle?

 

The TKO will be about $3k sooo $7k in a motor...I think you are going to pass that 450hp easily.

I plan to put ~$3k in my 351w, and would like to see 350-400hp. And I would be a happy camper. Then again im putting it in a smaller lighter package; 65 coupe. Mmmm

 

If it is just a Street Cruiser/Show Car. Why would you need 450/500 HP? Now you could build a 300/350 HP engine for less and still have a healthy sounding engine.

 

Depending on the heads you run, you could build a strong 351w in that power range for 7-8k min. Using good parts, forged internals, etc. As far as the block, as long as it is magnafluxed, align honed, bored w/torque plate, and uses a stud girdle you should be more than fine. Like they said you get what you pay for.