want to build a 351W

TonyMadrid · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2003, 04:02 PM

Hi, I am new to this site and I am also new to the world of Cobras. I am planning on building a kit this year. I want to build a 351W. I'm not looking to go all out as far as performance, but I want to build one that has some get up n go. Any information, ideas, or sources will be greatly appreciated.

I live in NY State and I was told that I should look for a windsor manufactured between 1969 and 1974 so I won't have to install emission controls. Any comments again will be appreciated.

I have done some reading and I am thinking along th elines of using the windsor block but with a Cleveland crank for higher revs. I have not decided on the heads or cam. Ideas greatly appreciated.

meangreeny · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2003, 06:14 PM

FInd a local engine builder you trust - preferably performance builder who can recommend heads / cam etc for what you want to do. I would suggest that you do not go more than .30 over with the 351w or you may have cooling issues. The casting number on the old Ford block you will be looking for will begin as follows: C9 = 1969, D0 (I think) = 1970, D1 = 1971, D2 = 1972 so on and so forth. You should be able to find an old 351w easily with these numbers. Sounds like you have the same issue we have here in Colorado. I re-built a 1971 351w for my Cobra replica which made it so I only had to qualify for the emissions required for the year of the Engine block. Had I purchased a new crate motor it would have been next to impossible to register the car in CO. Prior to a re-build of an old engine make sure to have the block magnafluxed (not sure on spelling) to insure block is in good shape. My engine is 10.5:1 compression. I have Edlebrock Performer intake, 600 carb, ARP Rod bolts, MSD 6AL & dist, race valve job head work and Erson Performer Cam etc. My 351 SB was build by ADC racing in Ft Collins, CO and runs outstanding. I estimate I have between 350 and 385 HP but want to dyno the car to make sure. Good luck.

Roscoe · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2003, 07:49 AM

I had a short block built by Engine Factory in NJ. It is a 85 351W. I built it up from there and it runs really great. Engine Factory gives you one year guarantee. They also build turnkey Cobra engines.

http://www.fordcobraengines.com/Cobrakitpack.html

And by the way, I have a 1974 351W block and misc parts for sale. Email if you are interested. roscoe@priveye.com

Build site: http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm

Roscoe

FIA#9 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2003, 05:52 AM

BEFORE you buy a block, get to DMV and pick their "brain." You need 2 inspections: 1) inspection for emissions, lights, etc. Mine was upstate so this was done via mail, with photos. This is predicated on the year of the block. The newer, the more criteria, and they have a handout you DEFINATELY need. Downstate is aggressive about emissions, and may include a sniffer test, require smog pumps, etc. My 1969 Boss motor only needed an EGR, but cars had to have backup lights then, so I put them on temporarily for photos. My lights have the same codes as newer foreign cars, like BMW, but thats not good enough for DMV, gotta have a stricter standard. I was ambushed by that BS and the car sat finished while I sorted it out. I only had to fill out a form with the correct codes, do you get inspected? I have the codes. The second inspection is a different DMV guy who is looking for stolen major components only. He checks your paperwork and signs off on it. He also assigns a VIN (a seperate NY one), and grinds off a spot on the firewall with course sandpaper and slaps on a VIN sticker. They would not accept ERA2009. I'll be happy to help if I can. Its a pain, but if you are aggressive up front, save a lot of hassle later on.

Jack21 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2003, 10:09 AM

Listen to FIA#9 and take heed, lest you build an expensive driveway ornament! Getting this regestered with DMV will be your #1 priority at this point.

Meangreeny is right on with finding a good performance engine builder locally. Not that the big name engine builders don't offer quality products, but service after the sale where you can drive it in, or tow it in is important with a local builder. Usually, the machine shop can source the block for you if you want. Particularly when the only thing you'll be salvaging out of the original engine is the block and front timing cover, possibly the crank and rods. The rest goes into the dumpster.

You're taking the right step in becoming an educated consumer first. Your engine is a way off at the moment. Figure out which car you want to buy first. That may change your engine selection parameters.