I have decided to rebuild either a 351c or 351w to replace my 289 in my 65 coupe.
i would like to know where is the best place to look for the block?
Thanks!

 

If your wanting a used one and can it yourself, craigslist or a junkyard may be a good choice. Problem is, you don't know the condition of the block, and many owners are lost sometimes about the condition. If you can turn the block over manually, at least it isn't seized and is usually a good block. If your wanting a new block, they are all over internet, just google ford engines (or something close to that), ebay, part suppliers, local auto parts stores. If your looking for a turn key motor, most suppliers of blocks will offer turnkey products too but the price can skyrocket depending on what your buying.

I have been looking too, for a motor and have found several places-all about the same price for what I am wanting. I think Ford Racing is way overpriced and the guy there told me I could find their stuff elsewhere at a cheaper price, just look around. You can talk with them too to try to find out how low they can go, they will not always stick to their "sticker price". I'm sure others with extensive engine knowledge will offer their thoughts. Good Luck!

 

Since you don't have anything right now, go to the junkyard or craigslist and source a windsor block. You can reuse some of the front of the engine stuff from your 289 and the motor mounts to save a little money. If you had a 351c it would be a different story I always recommend build what you have in the great c vs w debate and you have a 289 which has some parts which you can reuse. Yes you can put the C in the 65, but the W is a little easier to fit.

 

I agree, and from experience my windsor runs great... you can pull windsor out of a bunch of different cars, mine came out of a 71 torino.

 

The wrecking yards are strewn with them. A reputable wrecking yard will sell you an engine that is meant as a core engine. If the machine shop then determines something that renders it unusable, the wrecking yard will supply you another.

This will mean a possible second trip, but if you get one that rotates freely, the odds are in your favor.

 

I haven't been to wrecking yards since my GM days with Pontiacs and Chevys. Back then, seemed like they would pull all the good stuff and sell it on the side for big bucks.

Yeah, I guess I'll try them again. Just looking for a good core, likely W type. Mount it up and build it slow. Thanks all.

 

I would have to agree with DODGESTANG. As much as I love clevelands the last one I rebuilt cost a fortune and there's not as much aftermarket goodies for it as comparied to the windsor.