ok, what i want to do is drop me a 351w down in a 73 maverick. I have heard that you have to cut the shock towers out to be able to have enough room to fit everything in there. Right now the car has a 302 and it barely has enough room for everything to fit. Does anyone know what exactly has to be done to cut the shock towers out and put coil overs in place of them and who makes a kit for the whole project?
If you will do a search for 351W or shock towers, you will find everything you need to know. Click on "Search" at the top get edshumacated.
check out Grabber351 site he did the cut. I been thanking of doing it my self with my 302 just for little extra room. http://www.freewebs.com/grabber351/cut.htm
I've seen shots where the towers weren't cut with the manifolds sitting on both shock towers... I can't imagine driving that...
So practically you just cut the shock tower in the front from the top of the spring straight down to the motor mount and then flatten that part and weld a new flat piece in its place and it'll work? About how much did you guys cut into the shock tower for it all to fit?
How much room does that shock-tower cut give you for plugs and such? I also have long wing-nuts on my valve covers, and two of them need to bend to turn. Major hassle.
I do not think the cutting of the towers gives your plugs anymore room, but it gives your hands and tools more room.
you wouldnt have to worry about the engine mount breaking.....motor ont go anywhere..... i have 1/4 inch clearance on the drivers side with my 302 and headers....and 1/2 clearance on the passenger side... i cant imagine a 351w in there...i hate changing the plugs as it is with a 302...lol
my 351w didn't ride on the shock towers but it was awful close. you have to find the right headers. mine came on the car when i bought it. i still have them, i don't know what brand they are, and NO they are not for sale.