I'm picking up my 77 4-door in a couple weeks. My plan is to do a Gapp & Roush clone. The car comes with a rebuilt 250 and C4. This car will not be a strip car, although I would like to take it once or twice. I would like opinions on the following combos. 1) - Keep the 250 and C4, upgrade to 2bbl, add a header and add a turbo and a 50 shot of go juice, 3:55 gears w/ mini spool. or... 2) - 351w bored 30 over, C4 (add shiftkit), some 88300 headers and dual Flows, 3:55 gears w/ mini spool.
Since you asked.... Go with a stoked 302, C-4, 3.55 gears with a posi/taction loc/limited slip etc (for ultimate street use), and if you use a floor shifter, use Hooker 6901 headers. You asked for opinions and this one is mine. It will all depend on your pocketbook. I think the most expensive part of this project will be reproducing the paint job.
Terry, I'd have to disagree with the paint job comment. Paint part is easy and a friend owns a vinyl graphics shop for the decals. However, I won't be able to reproduce the contingency decals. I'll have to go with what's available now.
I didn't vote simply because I would do neither of the above. I agree with Hawko (and that don't happen often) about the 302 stroker. Too many problems with the 351 and too much cost in making the 250 run as good as the 302 stroker. There are a few people running 351w's so if you search the forum you should find quite a few opinions on it...mostly against. Good luck and be sure to post pics.
If I had known that you had very good connections on getting the look, I would have disagreed with myself, too.
razorsharp, I know about the 351w in a Mav. I went through the whole notched tower and install thing already. I just wasn't happy with the condition of the body I had, so I sold it. The reason the 351w is in the mix is because I have it in the garage already !!
I'm gonna put on my Columbo coat and ask, "Is there anything else you need to tell us to help solve this case?" Followed by Jack Webb saying, "Just the facts, Ma'am." Since you have the 351W, that would be an obvious choice on my part.
Sorry Terry, I also have access to the 250 combo stuff . A friend used to race a Fairmont with a turbo 250.
Ha! "UNCLE!" Opinion? Like some other things that everyone has, I have one too! Like Ray, I didn't vote on either. From what I've read, a stroked 302 base is (arguably) much easier to install than the 351 (I, personally, wouldn't even consider putting a 6 cylinder in it). Since your'e not ruling out spray, the weakest link is in the block (in either the 302 based or 351 based). You can spray 500 h.p. at it - or even a 1000 so getting the horsepower is not an issue, right? Just because you have the 351 doesn't mean you have to use it (or the 6), You could, more than likely, trade that 351 for a 302 based engine - maybe even a 347 short block. So, to me, it comes down to the 'hassle-factor' (which one is easier to do). I'm all about getting things done the easiest way (they call it being "Lazy" here in Texas ). Good luck with the project either way you go. I think it'll be very neat!
terry, boss 9, if its only a choice between the two id go 351. of course id build it to be driven on the street a lot cause i love driving my car around town.
