302 or 351 in my new cobra?

randlej · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 08:44 PM

Just ordered a kit and need to decide on a motor. Decision is between a 302 and 351 and probably will not stroke it. Looking for around 340 hp at the crank and good overall torque.

Car will be used only on the street.

Interested in pro's/cons/advice between the two motors. Also, I'd be interested in opinions on if the 351 cars carry a higher resale value-- not that I'd be selling anytime soon!

Thank you,

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 08:58 PM

Seems like a 351 would be the way to go. The prices are pretty competitive, why not go for a stroker?

Tim Brewer · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 09:15 PM

Between the two, use a 351, neither of the two will have a higher or lower resale value. So really, for cruising, which ever engine you can get the best deal on would be good.

vector1 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 09:19 PM

resale value would be a 351 stroker imo.

maybe something like a ford motorsport stroked 351 which would have warranty. best bang for the buck.

randlej · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 06:39 AM

Thanks all. Keep the opinions coming.

I'd also be interested in someones unused crate motor and tranny if you know of any.

Bob In Ct · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 06:43 AM

Go with the greater deck height. The Windsor will last forever if it's only used on the street. I've had mine for 9 years now with no problems what-so-ever.

My $0.02 worth.

Bob

Ron61 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 07:14 AM

I agree with Bob. and even if you were going to stroke it and build a strong SB, I would still go with the 351. I had one stroked to 418 in the Cobra that I had and it put out over 500 horse and it has been running since 1996 with no problems of any kind. I ran it hard but the cousin I sold it to just drives it and shows it, so I guess it will last forever.

Ron

Mac VABCH · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 08:01 AM

My vote fro a street car is the 302 based stoker kit. 331 ci the lighter weight will have a greater effect on all aspects of street driving, more complient, handling acceleration and braking. Also the lower deck heigh gives greater flexability for air cleaner selection...Mac

mrmustang · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 08:13 AM

302/345hp Ford crate engine.

Bill S.

PANAVIA · #10 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:54 AM

302 --you can use all those 5.0L parts laying around. 351W are neat too, but like 100Lbs heavier.

Rickd · #11 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 04:44 AM

Hard to beat a 302 Ford crate motor with 345 hp for reliability, performance and value.

Tommy · #12 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 06:13 AM

For me, low end torque is what makes a street Cobra fun to drive. If you focus on the torque at the RPM you'll likely be driving, you'll find the top end horsepower number doesn't mean too much. For torque, go with the bigger displacement engine.

WarrenG · #13 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 06:46 AM

Since you're not interested in stroking it and only looking for 340 HP, I'd go with the 302. It's lighter and I think just as reliable as the 351. I've got a 289 (stroked to 331) in my FIA and it puts out 390HP and 360+ ft-lbs torque. It's got more than enough power and torque for street use, and I average 20 mpg on the highway at 65-75 mph (5th gear).

Fordzilla · #14 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 07:27 AM

I always go for cubes so would say 351 or 351 stroker.

cobra427mnsi · #15 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 08:31 AM

When you think about it, isn't a 351 just a stroked 302. A 1 inch taller deck height equals a longer stroke.

trs900 · #16 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 08:38 AM

I had 2 Backdrafts at the same time "both had same gear ratio-tires, etc" one had Ford racing 302 with 340HP and the other had a 392" Ford crate stroker with 430hp there was absolutely no comparison in drive ability, the 392" had power and tq everywhere, the 302 was fairly strong in 1st gear then fell of in 2nd-3rd etc, possible with an extremely close ratio tranny it would have had more pep and while cruising in 5th it just didn't have any pull compared to the other, also when I sold 302 car I had a hard time as it seemed everyone was conditioned to think more power was better, car would have sold to 1st looker if it had more power so if you think you might want to sell it some day it probably will sell quicker with 351 and stroking it will be beneficial also

DAVID GAGNARD · #17 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 12:32 PM

If your looking for 340hp or so for a street driver, it's real easy and inexpensive to do with a 351-W.....

Mild cam in the 480 to 490 lift range, dual plane alum. intake and a holley 600/650 double pumper for starters.... stock crank/rods, flat top pistons and inexpensive stock alum heads from most any manufacter will get you an honest 350hp, with a 800 rpm idle and be a ton of fun to drive as well as give you many miles of trouble free driving..........

no need to stroke it if all you need is 340 hp......put that extra money on the car!!!!!!

oh,and in a light weight car like a Cobra, IT WILL haul a$$.....

David

G.R. · #18 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 01:00 PM

It's a 427 body style right? then put a BB in it...like a 427

I had great luck with my 289 K code, bored and stroked,Webers until I spun a bearing. Went to a 347 man-war stroker short block, plenty of torque and hp through the rpm range w/Webers and good gas mileage(if I kept my foot out of it

). I had a 289 car so it fit the car. Resale was excellent in my case.

Lot of 302 powered Cobras on the road.

427supr · #19 (**permalink**) 02-10-2009, 03:51 PM

I have a SVO 351 crate motor. I have over 10k miles. I never had any problems with it. Its a nice street motor. It has plenty of power. Good torque and high revs. Good for the street.