The original poster asked which short block for 2000. Also people never understand some guys dont want a windsor, for whatever reason, then factor in the additional money for headers, intake, distributor, oil pan on the windsor, especially if you already own those 302 parts.

 

Sorry, I actually was wondering why thepolo708 wanted a 302 over a 351. I mean the 302 is also a 'Windsor' block, and they're basically identical except for the additional 1/2" of stroke with the 351W, also it has a beefier block and larger mains. I understand if he has already purchased some parts that are not cross compatible, although many are, or if he has size constraints. I just know a few 347 stroker guys who were disappointed with the performance of their 347 compare to a mild 351W.

 

A 347 compared to a stock stroke 351 is not even fair, the 347 will run circles around a stock stroke 351. Many advantages to a 347 vs a stock stroke windsor. The intakes are not compatible, the oil pan is not, the headers are not, the distributor is not. The mass majority of guys have bought these aftermarket parts for there 302's, thats a huge consideration when simply saying just switch to a windsor.

 

Perhaps, but polo708 hasn't said he's purchased anything yet. And I don't see how a 'stock' 347 will be more powerful than a stock 351W they are basically the same block except that the piston skirt will be exiting the cylinder wall with the 347. Not to mention he could easily stroke the 351W as high as he wants, and a 351W will last longer than a 347. If he's aiming for 400HP I think he would be better off at least considering a 351W, since he could hit that with decent heads, intake and a cam. If he's already bought parts for the 347 then sure go for that, but to spend ~$1300 on a stroker kit so he doesn't have to buy a new dizzy, intake, headers, and oil pan doesn't make sense. I'm not trying to argue, just offer an other option for polo708. For the cost of the block ($2000) and the stroker kit ($1300) he could easily get a freshly rebuilt 351W and build it up to 400HP.

 

I will tell you exactly how a 347 will walk away from a stock stroke windsor. The rotating assembly in a 347 is 18lbs lighter, the pushrod is miles shorter (valvetrain stability-Deflection) shorter intake runners. This all leads to a dramatic difference in acceleration. I have been down this road 100's of times, as I build and race these engines for a living every day of the week. There are many advantages to a windsor when were looking at 400+ inch options, but for a guy that is set on a budget, has all the needed parts for an 8.2 deck motor and might not have another 1000+ dollars laying around for the needed swap parts, its a no brainer. Its ultimately up to the customer what he wants, but I will tell the customer the best way to go given his circumstances. FYI I talked with the OP this week on the phone. I know what he is looking for.

 

Fair enough, if he's already has bought parts for the 347 then he should go for it. I only brought the 351W up because he hadn't stated that he'd purchased anything. I have nothing against 302's I'm running one right now. I'm by no means a professional engine builder, I'm barely a hobbyist. I had always wondered why there were so many 331/347's around, I just assumed it was because of the sheer number of 5.0L rolling around.

 

Reaver, I had a 289 in it until it took a crap on me a week ago. Im going with the 347 over a 351 for reasons woodsy stated. I already have the intake, exhaust, oil pan, distributer, etc... no sense re-buying everything but thanks for the info.

Woodsy, thanks for the phone call. Im convinced and Ill be giving you a call in the next few days to order my motor, haha.

 

Just jingle my friend, call me direct at the shop you got the number