Going to build a 351w instead of crate rotor

[shmelty]

Can't do a crate motor here in MA (without a hassle) so going with this. 1969 351w block. Bored/Honed .030 over, decked, new freeze plugs, galley plugs, and cam bearings. It's a start.... hoping to stroke it to 408, with forged crank, forged roller cam/lifter upgrade, forged pistons, H-beam rods, hi flow oil pump, aluminum heads, ARP all around, Sniper EFI...
121879

[Bob Cowan]

That will be a heck of a motor. Light weight, easy to install, makes excellent power.

The '69 blocks usually have cylinder walls thick enough to .060" over. Then you can build a 427.

[cnutting]

Two things to consider. Get a hold of Paul Davis. i emailed him my block casting number and he got pre-approval from the MAC. Second thing is call over to the Bridgewater salvage unit. If Leo is still there, see if you can make an appointment so that he can look at your block paperwork before you get too far down the road.

[shmelty]

I got a hold of Paul!! I am good to go with my block :) Once it gets delivered I will send them pics of the casting and then visit the DOT Salvage Yard to get their approval and finally order my kit!!


Mr. Smith,
Congrats on you goal of building a 33 Hot Rod from Factory 5. I have always admired what they did with that vehicle.

You are correct, that using a 1969 block satisfies kit car emissions requirements because that is a pre-emissions block. This option is popular because it is easy and inexpensive. Also, some folks like the notion of using a period-correct block.

The easiest thing to do would be to send us the casting data off the block. That would allow us to verify the block, and we will work with the folks at the Motorist Assistance Center ahead of your visit so they know how you are meeting the requirements and have been working with DEP along the way.

Once your vehicle is finished and you have it registered, you will go for your first inspection. At that inspection, the vehicle should be issued a failing sticker and a referral to a Motorist Assistance Center. The folks at the center are tasked with making sure that emissions requirements are met, and they will verify certain safety items for the Registry (because most inspection station seldom see a kit car, if ever). Once that is done, a code is entered into the system so that your 33 Hot Rod will only get a safety inspection when it goes in for its annual inspection - no more emissions while you own the vehicle.

You are also correct, that there is another option for meeting kit car emissions requirements that involves crushing an existing vehicle. If you crush a vehicle that is 1973 or older with a similar sized engine, then no emissions controls are required on your kit car. This option is popular with folks that want to use a crate engine. If you are interested in that option, I can send you the details. Obviously, this is a little more involved and expensive than the period-correct block option you are considering.

Thank you for doing your homework before you dive into this project. If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to drop me a line or give me a call.

I wish you and your son many happy hours of wrenching, and enjoying the fruits of your labor on the road once you are done!

Paul Davis
MassDEP/IM Program Branch Chief

[GoDadGo]

I know you want to do a 408; however, the 1/4" shorter stroke of the 383 might make you happy too.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/esp-16122030/make/ford

It will spin up a tad quicker with the 3.75" stroke compared the square motor.

[shmelty]

Hi GoDad! We are actually rethinking this and may go 393 with 3.85" stroke. I found a kit that will work with lower 69 Deck Height(9.48")
https://www.coasthigh.com/Ford-393W-Reverse-Dome-19-3cc-Pro-Street-Kit-p/10676-ps-f393w.htm

[GoDadGo]

Hi GoDad! We are actually rethinking this and may go 393 with 3.85" stroke. I found a kit that will work with lower 69 Deck Height(9.48")
https://www.coasthigh.com/Ford-393W-Reverse-Dome-19-3cc-Pro-Street-Kit-p/10676-ps-f393w.htm

My friend Jerry has one in his Gen-1 Daytona and he scares the crap on of me.
Tons of torque and it will wrap to 6,500 in a heart beat.

[shmelty]

My friend Jerry has one in his Gen-1 Daytona and he scares the crap on of me.
Tons of torque and it will wrap to 6,500 in a heart beat.

Sweet!!

[GoDadGo]

This is the intake he's running so it fits under his hood.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-5081?seid=srese1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3fzW57bK5wIVGpSzCh2GEgriEAQYAyAB EgILwfD_BwE

[mike223]

10.5:1 393w / H beam rods / solid roller / forged pistons etc here - 500hp/550tq.

GoDad and I have previously discussed that if we were doing it again we would both build 350ci engines at 9:1 compression.

These cars are no faster to 100mph on street tires beyond 400hp/400tq - they simply become more dangerous in 3rd gear with more hp/tq- how fast do you want to be going and still spin the tires at will?


P.S. - I'd also skip the solid roller cam - hydraulic roller next time.

[shmelty]

10.5:1 393w / H beam rods / solid roller / forged pistons etc here - 500hp/550tq.

GoDad and I have previously discussed that if we were doing it again we would both build 350ci engines at 9:1 compression.

These cars are no faster to 100mph on street tires beyond 400hp/400tq - they simply become more dangerous in 3rd gear with more hp/tq- how fast do you want to be going and still spin the tires at will?


P.S. - I'd also skip the solid roller cam - hydraulic roller next time.

Mike,

What year is your block? I am a bit limited due to the lower deck height on my 69. I do plan on the hydraulic roller cam and roller rockers.

[cnutting]

Congrats, first hurdle cleared!

[mike223]

Mike,

What year is your block? I am a bit limited due to the lower deck height on my 69. I do plan on the hydraulic roller cam and roller rockers.

My block is 1990 - I am familiar with the lower deck height on early blocks but I have no experience with them.

I also have a complete original 70,000 mile 1974 351w on a stand in the garage for later, but I haven't started that project yet.


P.S. When I originally responded I thought this was a roadster - I can't speak to the 33 specifically, but I imagine it's a very similar situation on street tires.

[GoDadGo]

Gents,

This is what I saw on the rotating assembly link I posted earlier:

If this kit is used with a 1969-70 block with the 9.480 in. deck height, the compression will be increased by approximately 0.4 compared to the 1971 and later blocks with the 9.500 in. deck height.

[shmelty]

Gents,

This is what I saw on the rotating assembly link I posted earlier:

If this kit is used with a 1969-70 block with the 9.480 in. deck height, the compression will be increased by approximately 0.4 compared to the 1971 and later blocks with the 9.500 in. deck height.

Good eye! I will look into this! Thanks, Sean

[shmelty]

Congrats, first hurdle cleared!

Just left the Bridgewater Salvage Yard. The troopers there were fantastic and very helpful. They gave me the green light to use the block. They did take the photos of the block and casting numbers I brought along with my contact info. Now to have my machinist certify that it's fit for use. After that is done over the next week or so I can order my kit!!

[cnutting]

Wow, very fast. Now that's how to get it done in Mass!