Looking for 351W engine recommendations

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

I have a Mark II that I built between 2004 and 2006. I had a 351 (as a 408) built at a speed shop in New Jersey. I've had a lot of issues with the engine (running hot, low oil pressure, oil leaks) since I put it on the road. I replaced the rear main seal, corrected the oil leak for maybe 1000 miles. I had Mark Dougherty do some work to it plus another rear main seal, again it didn't leak oil for about 1000 miles.

I got so disgusted with the engine that I parked the car. It has only been out of the garage once in the past 3 years.

I am going to put another engine in it. Here is where I'm looking for recommendations.

I can't make up my mind on whether I should take another chance on a machine shop building me an engine OR buying a crate engine. My wife wants me to get a crate engine. I have so many projects at home and we spend a lot of time traveling in our motorhome so I can't do the engine build myself which leads me to be in favor of a crate engine with a warranty. I have a late model 351W block (1995) with one piece rear main seal and roller lifters.

I am seriously considering an engine from Blueprint Engines.

Looking for thoughts, recommendations and any experiences with Blueprint. Thanks in advance!

Steve

[DavidW]

Proformance Unlimited does some nice crate engines.

https://www.proformanceunlimited.com/

[BradCraig]

I honestly think you have answered your own question! Either Forte or Blueprint are great choices and provide engines to a lot of the FF community and both have stellar reputations.

[Olli]

Hi Steve!

It has been a while...sorry to hear about the engine issues. A lot of folks are quite happy with Blue Print.

Olli

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Thanks Olli!

Didn't know you are in Delaware now. Hope all is well with you and your family!

Steve

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

DavidW,

Do you have any first hand experience with Proformance Unlimited? I saw some of their YouTube videos and dealing with them would be easier (they are a few hours away here in Florida vs Nebraska).

[zarnold]

Here are a couple of sites I came across while researching engines on this site (no recommendations).

https://enginefactory.com/
https://www.prestigemoto.com/
https://craftperformanceengines.com/

[FF33rod]

Lots of reputable engine shops throughout the US BUT in terms of someone understanding what works and fits into a Factory Five (accessory drives, oil pans, hood clearance, etc. you are looking at Blueprint, Levy and Forte. I'm not sure about Forte and Levy pricing but Blueprint's are extremely reasonable.

Steve

[rich grsc]

Blueprint has an association with Factory Five

[mburger]

I have a blueprint 347 long block purchased through Forte and Mike installed my Edelbrock pro flow 4 system, put it on the dyno, uploaded a YouTube video of the dyno run and shipped it down to me. I would recommend Blueprint or Mike Forte. I don’t think you will go wrong with Levy racing either, I just have no experience with Gordon But I trust all of the very positive reviews.

[phileas_fogg]

I'd call Forte ASAP & tell him what is going on. Be sure to mention Dougherty has worked on the engine, 'cuz he's really good (no first-hand knowledge, but his reputation here is outstanding) & that will help narrow down the list of culprits. Also, you might ask Forte if he'd be willing to rebuild the engine for you.


John

[P100DHG]

I don't want to take business away from Mike, he's the best guy. But maybe I can make a suggestion with some pictures.

147728

147729

Maybe Mike can set you up with something that looks like this but doesn't come with the same price tag.

[Todd Baumann]

I am with John and I would discuss with Mike Forte about rebuilding the one you have.
Mike is awesome to work with and it could save you a few dollars overall.
Todd