351W build

[armandodiaz13]

I'm preparing for a Cobra build. I'm starting with the engine.
I pulled a 351W from a truck and will plan to use for the build.
I briefly spoke with a machine shop, about boring it out to 4.125, so I can build a 427. They told me no way would I be able to bore a standard block that much, they said the most I can go will be .060 over. That will leave me with a 418ci.
I told him everyone is doing it, they even sell crate engines. He said they are using aftermarket blocks, from Dart.
Has anyone else been through this? Can you verify?I'm planning on calling a couple of other shops, just to be sure.

Thanks.

[Higgybulin]

Just call BluePrint engines. They are doing their own blocks but I'm sure they would be happy to talk to you about your build. Customer service is second to none!
Higgy

[David Williamson]

On a stock block 0.030 over works and 0.060 over is ok most times but 0.125 is only on aftermarket blocks like Dart. On a stock block if it was my engine I would go 0.030 for a more reliable engine. There are a lot of pluses to the aftermarket blocks that make them better for high HP use but they are more $$
David W

[Gordon Levy]

You can do a 427 on a production block but it takes a 4.100 stroke and a 4.060 bore and is wholly unreliable above 5000 revs. Your best bet is a 408 which is a 4" stroke and a 4.030 bore. I build a lot of them and 550hp all day and reliable. The 4.125 bore can only be done on aftermarket race block like dart, world products, ford racing, etc...

[armandodiaz13]

Got it thanks.
I think my options are..
4.030.... 408
4.040.... 410

I'm really trying NOT to go over 500hp.

[Kbl7td]

Curious what a 351 block goes for out of junkyard? I only know LS and aluminum blocks aren’t cheap, iron yes.

[Gordon Levy]

Core 351 windsors are generally $250-$500

[armandodiaz13]

$300. Complete with head, intake, manifold.
It was a U-Pull-It. But I found a guy there that pulled it for $100. It was 90 degree weather so I gave him $150.

It was worth it.
But now I have a bunch of spare parts taking up space.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Expect to pay more if it's a roller block vs flat tappet (assuming the salvage yard knows the difference ;)).

Jeff

[armandodiaz13]

No they usually don't have a clue.

[johnnybgoode]

My 414W SBF made 485 Hp and 520 Ft/lb on a Superflow dyno with a small-ish 650 cfm carb. The motor is based on a 1974 Ford Windsor block with a 4.060" bore and 4.00" stroke making it 414 CID. As Gordon says a 408 kit and a good set of aftermarket heads will make you a very nice motor.

Here's a clip of mine on the dyno. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jao9vziGZl0

Scott

p.s. If your block is not a roller you can use at "Retro-Fit" RF roller cam and tap the block for the spider. I have been running this setup for 10 years with no issues.

[Bob Cowan]

You can bore a stock block out enough to make a 427. But you have to start with a '69 iron block in good condition; and they are kinda rare. Those are the only ones with enough material to bore out that far.

Rebuilding from a junk yard engine is a risk. A Ford 351W hasn't been in a stock Ford since the last century. IF everything goes well, AND you know what you're doing, you might save a little cash. But it's a lot of hassle getting all the right parts, running back and forth to the machine shop, etc. And sometimes there are problems: Block is cracked, valve seat is cracked, crank is bent, etc.

Add up the cost of rebuilding that old junkyard engine. Then look at the cost of a quality build from Gordon or Mike. You're usually time and money ahead using a crate motor.

[Ford & Jeep Fan]

I'm preparing for a Cobra build. I'm starting with the engine.
I pulled a 351W from a truck and will plan to use for the build.
I briefly spoke with a machine shop, about boring it out to 4.125, so I can build a 427. They told me no way would I be able to bore a standard block that much, they said the most I can go will be .060 over. That will leave me with a 418ci.
I told him everyone is doing it, they even sell crate engines. He said they are using aftermarket blocks, from Dart.
Has anyone else been through this? Can you verify?I'm planning on calling a couple of other shops, just to be sure.

Thanks.

a Factory block going to .060 makes the block much thinner. Thinner is weaker. Not a great idea. Go .030 if you need to. the inches you will add (about 47) with a stroker crank will more than make up for the 10 you can't get with the .125 bore. I'll give you an idea: look into building a "Clevor" Engine . it is a 351W block topped with (351C) Cleveland style heads. you can still use a stroker crank although it uses Cleveland style pistons and a cleveland style intake for your 9.5 deck height. THese clevors can make REAL power.

[CraigS]

Yeah but look up parts for a Cleveland and then look up parts for a Windsor. Way different variety and supply w/ the Windsor the clear winner.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The advent of deep breathing aluminum Windsor heads from AFR, Trick Flow, etc. kind of made the Clevor obsolete.

Jeff

[first time builder]

Our 427 was built from a world products Tall deck 351. Engine was built by Billy Mitchel (world products) He also used Rousch head which he told us he makes the casting for rousch. He told us he has his own castings made in Michigan.