What year 351W is best

fivespeed · #1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 04:10 PM

I am a just starting a build and have a chance to purchase a 351W rebuilded 1984-85 a a very good price. I plan on 600 CFM carb. Any thoughts

5 Speed

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 04:20 PM

If you want to make a maxi-stroker, there are two deck heights on 351 windsors, you will want the taller of the two. Year of the engine block may matter in your state during the titling process, for that reason, pre-smog blocks are preferred by many.

DAVID GAGNARD · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 04:40 PM

5sp;

Most people say that the 69 to 74 blocks are a little stronger. They are supposed to have a little more "meat" in the bottom end.

75 on up,they changed the castings some and they are a tad lighter.... I have talked to a couple of guys that are serouis drag racers with serouis 351-W's stroked to all kinds of cubic inches.... They use the early blocks when they can find them,but one guy told me he uses whatever he can get cheap.... He also said he found the newer blocks (late 80' to early 90's) lasted just as long as the early blocks,he could find no difference in them as far as holding up went....

I use the early blocks simply because I can get them around here real cheap... Usually 50 to 100 bucks for a 69 to 74 short block. For some reason the junk yards sell the short blocks cheap,but want to keep the stock heads or at least sell them for more than the short block which is fine with me,do not need all those old heavy iron heads anyway.....

David

PSB · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 04:46 PM

Nothing wrong with an '84 block. I built my 408 stroker with an '84 block.

Pete

Curt C. · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 04:47 PM

Get the 69-72 block. Very easy on smog / title issues

NMattison · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 07:44 PM

well my block is a d4 {74} block and i also have a d9 block and the d 4 and has a lot more steel in it down on the lower end. i have one of each on the floor right now so u can visually see the difference. also my 351 is stroked to a 392 and im running a 670 cfm street avenger. i have been told this is a good carb for this application Neil

TonyMadrid · #7 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 07:50 PM

The earlier ones had a smaller deck height and therefore higher compression. I believe the 69 & 70's had the smaller height. I f you go with one of them be specific when you order pistons or they will protrude past the deck.

Tony