Posted by T.L. on July 12, 1998 at 00:10:16:
In Reply to: Re: 302 vs 351w posted by Mark W on July 11, 1998 at 18:29:09:
That all looks good on paper and I'm not disagreeing with you Mark, but in the "real world" it's a lot harder to run 11s & 12s than one might think. True, the 351 is capable of MORE torque than the 302. BOTH engines are equally reliable although the 302 is a little more comfortable at higher RPMs, The two weakest links in both engines are the stock 5/16" rod bolts (go with ARP chrome-moly) and the stock oil pump drive shaft (get a chrome-moly one). As far as practicallity; the 302 will be much less of a headache to install and maintain. It's a real bitch changing the spark plugs in a Maverick with a 351 without shock tower modification. Also, if someone does opt for the 351, make sure you go with the earlier heads (such as '69-'73) because later model 351 heads have the same small valves as the 302. I'm not saying don't put in a 351in a Maverick, I'm just giving a different perspective on the subject. The 302 fits nicely and can be "built" to totally kick-ass. As far as running 11's; well let me just say that I know a guy who has a Maverick that is strictly a drag-car and it has a 351-CLEVELAND with a tunnel-ram intake & two 4bbl. carbs, race cam, HUGE valves, custom headers & the works. The engine produces upwards of 450 HP. This car runs high 11s on slicks & open headers, 4.56 gears, and is far more radical than the 351 windsor you describe not to mention the fact that the car is "gutted" for racing and weighs far less than a "street" Maverick. -Just a thought...
: As a fellow that builds both of these engines, I will say that:"there
: ain't no replacement for displacement". The 351 is much more durable(at
: 6000rpm and below), and will deliver 50-80 more ft-lbs of torque than
: a similarly built 302. It is taller and wider than a 302, so you have to
: watch your header and carb/manifold choices. The only drawback when build-
: ing a 351 is the lack of a low cost flat top forged piston, so the price is slightly
: higher. The best source for your engine is,of course, me, but second choice
: would be Ford Motorsport's 351 short or long block.Just beware the bottom dollar
: "stock rebuild" places that typically offer a 90 day or low mileage warranty.
: Workmonster Racing Engines' killer combo:
: Blueprinted 365 short block
: Performer RPM w/780 vac Holley
: Custom hydraulic roller cam
: Dart Alum or TFS TW heads, 10:1 C.R.
: 3.50 rear gear, C-4 w/ stock 302 convertor
: Result: An ultra reliable 325bhp, 390ft-lbs, near stock idle, easy 12's w/ street
: tires, high 11's w/ slicks.
: GO FOR IT!!
: Mark
: