I'm gathering the things I'll need to inspect and re-assemble my rebuilt 1969 351w. I found a 64-73 V8 mustang haynes book and bought a piston ring compressor and now I need something to measure the clearances on the crank main bearings. I was thinking of plastiguage but can someone tell me what sizes the clearances should be so I can know what sizes to buy? What else would I have to measure? What kind of compression would I have with these pistons and some 58cc heads? I was looking at some Windsor jr heads or some gt40p heads. I wanted the highest compression I can use with 91 octane.

 

I would start w/ Tom Monroe's book.
Also buy good performance books.
Those are the most important parts you need.

Don't forget the lifter valley galley plug, Tap galley ports, 7/16" rocker stud....

BTW I have 351w, windsor sr, flat tops, 9:1 cr.

Compression ratio is not the only variable which determines octane.

Magazine articles and google can get you in a world of hurt w/o some concrete backup.

 

i just ordered new copies of: How To Rebuild the Small-Block Ford by George Reid and
How To Rebuild Small Block Ford Engines by Tom Monroe

 

Good.

Been said million times...but most common mistake is cam too big.

The 351w can be built for 600cfm or 750cfm.
I like 600 for 600-4000rpm; nice torque for street.
I like 750 for 2000-7000rpm; better 1/4 mile times.

Make sure valve geometry is correct also.

 

Excellent resources. Monroe's book is pretty old, so some of the information doesn't apply any more. For example, my book still says to paint the head gaskets before installation. That was good advice 25 years ago, not so good advice now.

As for compression, that depends on a lot of things: rod length, piston dish, cam, altitude, etc. Try and get your dynamic compression close to 8.5. http://www.kb-silvolite.com/calc.php?action=comp