351W options, or go for a 301?

[daxtojeiro]

Hi all,
I'm UK based and my kit should be ready for shipping by the end of next week, so I have started to look into buying an engine for it.

It will be a Windsor, having read a lot on the forums it appears the 351 needs a shorter inlet manifold than the 301.

What exactly are the options for the 351 if I go that way, as I don't want to buy the wrong thing, or am I better off with a 301?

I'm also a little confused as to the gearbox options, I want a 5 speed and was going to go for a T5 (I have this on my Cobra and it works really well), but it appears this may not be suitable for a 351W?
My main concern is getting the correct bell housing, so if I went for a TKO500 is the bell housing for this easy to get for the Windsor?

Sorry for the questions, but I'm in the UK and not familiar with the Ford V8's, I've only built Rover V8's in the past and used the T5.

thanks
Phil

[KDubU]

No experience with but I think the coupe has less height available between the engine and hood so the 351w may be an issue. I had one in my roadster and had to use a drop base to get a 3” round filter to work. I did however have the Edelbrock Performer Air Gap which did not help. If you do not go with the 351, how about a 363 in the coupe? :cool:

[edwardb]

A 351 based engine will fit in the Coupe. But as already mentioned particular attention is required for the intake, carb and air cleaner if going that way. True also for the Roadster, but even more so with the Coupe. But many have done it. A strong 302, or 347 or 363 stroker fits easily and will provide plenty of "go." Lots of discussion about a T5 in these cars as the power goes up. Depends on your engine, tires, intended use, etc. Many use them fine. Others break them. Safe answer has been to move up to the TKO. For gearing, the TKO600 has been preferable over the TKO500. But the TKO's are now discontinued. Probably will be out there in available stock for a while. But the new TKX appears to be a big improvement. I'd suggest considering that. In theory, shifts like a T5 but strong like a TKO.

[David Williamson]

You are correct the Coupe hood is lower than the Roadster. The 351 based engines fit but the intake and air cleaner must be low profile or you are into modifying the hood for more clearance. When I did mine I used a Dart 363 engine because it is externally the same dimensions as a Ford 302. The Dart 363 I have has about 450 Hp and that puts the weight to power ratio at about 5.5 and it is plenty for a street car, I have spun the tires in 3rd on dry pavement with a moderately hard shift around 50mph. My hood clears the engine by about 3/4 of an inch with an Eldelbrock Performer RPM intake, Fitech injection and small open top air cleaner.
David W

[Jacob McCrea]

Welcome to the forum. Here is another little data point on the coupes and 302-based engines. The OEM 302 EFI intakes (5.0 EFI from 1986-1993 Mustangs, 5.0 EFI from 1994-1995 Mustangs, and the rare tubular GT40 system) are hit or miss in terms of whether the throttle body will clear the hood. I am almost certain that the 1994-95 upper intake will clear the hood because it slopes down and forward. The tubular GT40 will not clear without serious milling of the lower intake, or a fabricated throttle bottle spacer as shown in the attached photo. The 1986-93 EFI intake and Explorer intakes will, to the best of my knowledge, not clear without modification. Also, I have never heard of a clearance problem with any sort of 8-stack system.

139962

[daxtojeiro]

Thanks for the replies, I assumed it would simply be a case of buying an xxxx manifold and a yyyy carb and that it would be covered in the manuals as it had been done so many times before.

If it is painful to get it right then I will look into the stroked 302, thanks for the heads up on that. I really don't want to spend a load of money on something that won't fit.

Is there a download for the manuals or is it a case of waiting for it all to arrive?

thanks
Phil

[GoDadGo]

The..Edelbrock Torker-II Manifold..is the shortest if you decide to go with the..351-W Engine Block..option.

https://www.edelbrock.com/torker-ii-small-block-ford-351w-intake-manifold-5081.html

My friend Jerry has one on his..Gen-1 Type 65 Coupe..that sports a ..392 SBF Stroker.. but he also uses a 14" drop base air cleaner.

[edwardb]

Thanks for the replies, I assumed it would simply be a case of buying an xxxx manifold and a yyyy carb and that it would be covered in the manuals as it had been done so many times before.

If it is painful to get it right then I will look into the stroked 302, thanks for the heads up on that. I really don't want to spend a load of money on something that won't fit.

Is there a download for the manuals or is it a case of waiting for it all to arrive?

thanks
Phil

Yes, manuals are available for download. $10 which is a bargain and a great way to learn and get a head start. https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/60310-gen-3-type-65-coupe-assembly-manual-digital-copy-pdf/. The kit comes with a hard copy. But I like using the electronic one too. Easy to search for things.

The manual will not give you specific recommendations for intake or carb brands or types. There are way too many possibilities.

[daxtojeiro]

Yes, manuals are available for download. $10 which is a bargain and a great way to learn and get a head start. https://www.factoryfiveparts.com/60310-gen-3-type-65-coupe-assembly-manual-digital-copy-pdf/. The kit comes with a hard copy. But I like using the electronic one too. Easy to search for things.

The manual will not give you specific recommendations for intake or carb brands or types. There are way too many possibilities.

Fantastic! Thanks for that, I will have a good read.
Thanks again for all your help, I will probably go down the 347 route now after all the advice, assuming they are easy enough to find in the UK, I really want something that looks old school this time round.

cheers
Phil