How to build a 351W - 427 stroker?

[pato castro]

Well, i'm new here and actually don't have a Cobra, but with a friend have plans on modifying a '96 351W engine into a 427 stroker. Since where i live are just a few people who knows how to build powerful engines, this is the best source for 351W's mods that i could find. The idea for this engine is that it has a LOT of torque (it's gonna be used in a 4x4). What i want is a personal opinion on what parts are needed to build one torque monster engine, intake, exhaust, cam, etc, etc. Actually the engine has Edelbrock heads and intake manifold (with a carburetor...no idea why this guy get rid of the original injection...) If you can give me advice, i'll thank you a lot.

[gsharapa]

Tuff to get to a 427 stroker with a stock block or even the sportman block as you can only bore them out to .030 over and then you have to go big on the stroke, which cause you to notch the block. The throw on the rod is way to long and the engine won't last. You can do 408 pretty safe...

If you want to go to 427 or even up to 454, you need a 351 W (Racing) block or one of the new aluminum blocks that allow you to bore it out to .125 over and then you can put a stroker crank in that does not have that hugh throw on the rod. I suggest you talk to a good engine builder like Keith Craft Racing.........

[pato castro]

well, that's what i want...somebody who really knows about! This particular block ('96) is a good or weak block? the use of this engine in particular is gonna be very tough, only dune running but need a lot of torque because the dunes are very tall. How big of a stroker is safe for that particular block? Also, what brand of stroker is recommendable? Please help me on this one, you're the only knowledgeable people on the net. (that i could find)

[STCinc]

I'm in process of building a 427 stroker out of a 351w. However, I started with a new iron engine block from DART. It's a heavy duty block with every main brg cap havinf 4 1/2in bolts.
I've not had it on the dyno yet, but we have been conservative with the engine and still expect mid 500hp range on pump gas.

[fxbill]

Your block would be fine for a 408 stroker and you'd still have gorilla pulling if you cammed it right. Scat makes an inexpensive crank that requires very little clearancing in the block to make up a nice stroker...

[Scott S]

Get a 427 kit from Coast HP. have a local machine shop bore the block .030 over to match the piston you purchased. (make sure the machine shop #'s the piston to the bores.) BTW it would be best if you started with a 70 -72 block. Dummy up a piston with no rings and start from the oil pump end and swing the crank around by hand and watch the rod end for where it will hit. Take a die grinder and clearance the bottom of the sleeve and oil pan rails where need be. The whole procees will take less than an hour. You will be surpriesd how little will need to be removed. Make sure you have about .060 clearance in all the spaces. Get it balanced! If you really want a 427 SB don't go for a huge cam! Don't spin it over 6000 rpm!

Stay with a dual plane manifold, get the best heads you can afford, a Holley 750 DP will work just fine. A good stock oil pump is all you need, Tell Coast HP what heads you have and they will pick a piston for you, if you have alum.. heads 10.5/1 is okay, iron heads stay with 9.5 or less.

I have built these motors at home, and have had good luck with them, I really don't know why so many others put them down...

maybe it because they get their as*"* kicked so much.

Scott s

[fxbill]

I don't think anyone is putting down the 427 stroker....it just takes less clearance for a bit smaller stroker and the power difference is not that great. I notice you're running a 393....not a bad stroker motor either!

[Scott S]

I just happened on a sweet deal on the crank and could't turn it down. So I am trying to build the least expensive engine I can with quality parts to show you don't have to break the bank to get HP

Scott S

[tommyboy]

I just built a 427 stroker but I went with a Dart aftermarket race block. The block has four bolt mains and siamese cylinders. I was able to run a 4.000" stroke x 4.125" bore. All I can say is the engine went together very, very well, looks great and runs awesome !!

[tt400]

So what year motor is the best to start with if you want to run a roller cam in it??

[Shawn C]

What kind of HP and Torque numbers can you get out of a 408 or 427 stroker while still having a streetable motor, streetable meaning weekend driver. Thanks.

[fxbill]

TT...a later year block is easier to use a roller cam in. Earlier blocks from the late 60s and early 70s have a shorter lifter bore and you'll either need to use a specially ground smaller base circle cam or use Crane link bar lifters that are shorter than stock Ford lifters....It's a much more expensive proposition than using all stock Ford roller cam accesories with a later block that already had a roller cam.
Shawn... Expect to see well over 500 reliable HP out of a stroker without to much trouble at all.....and yet it will still be very streetable..

[tt400]

FXBill,
So what year did they start making the 351w block roller compatible? I know the 94-95 Lightings blocks can be converted to a roller but what other vehicles can you get a roller block out of?
I am wanting to build a 392 or 408 stroker with a roller cam and want to start off with the best block.

[fxbill]

I know the 94-97 fuel injected 351s had roller cams, but I'm not sure about other years. Ford dealers could give you a solid answer..