[BartonFlyer]

The attached photo is the current state of my 68 FB. It is a J Code that didn't have an engine when I got it. I intend a "mild" restomod -

Wilwoods all around
17" TorqThrusts
TMI interior with full console
Dakota Digital dash
lowered 1"
PS
A/C
9" rear with 3.2 gears.
Fuel injected Holley
C-4

It will be a street cruiser, not a racer. Not interested in Elanore. That's my wonderful mother's name (Elinor).

A 347 would be fine, but my research says a 408 isn't much more $$.

Since I have to source an engine, I am thinking 351W or a stroker 408. There really aren't many choices on the web for under $10,000. I am currently thinking "BluePrint Engines" for $7600. But, there must be some source that I haven't found yet. Does anybody (everybody) have any thoughts? I'm willing to spend $7.5k+, but not willing to spend $12k.

 

[jsbenami]

In that range would it not be better to just take a core to a machine shop who will custom build an engine rather than a ‘crate’ motor turned out at a high volume engine shop? I’m planning to do a 289 to 331 stroker custom build 😜 I don’t trust the crate engines plus my 289 is original (outside of my car running a 302 now) and has my VIN on it. Even here with sky high prices 5-7 should cover it. But like many items engines and the requisite heads and parts are in short supply.

 

[Rufus68]

Have you seen the Blueprint factory tour video?

 

[BartonFlyer]

Have you seen the Blueprint factory tour video?

I got through 1/2 of it so far. Very impressive. I would be happy a quality build from a local engine shop. But, I don't think I'd be saving any money. What is your view of this factory video? Looks as good as OEM to me. I'm truly not sold on Blueprint at this point. Looking for an alternative.

Here's one topic for opinion: They have begun building their own blocks, due to shortage of OEM 351W blocks. Is that a problem? (Wouldn't be "Ford")

 

[BartonFlyer]

In that range would it not be better to just take a core to a machine shop who will custom build an engine rather than a ‘crate’ motor turned out at a high volume engine shop? I’m planning to do a 289 to 331 stroker custom build 😜 I don’t trust the crate engines plus my 289 is original (outside of my car running a 302 now) and has my VIN on it. Even here with sky high prices 5-7 should cover it. But like many items engines and the requisite heads and parts are in short supply.

Thank you for your thoughts. Even though mine will not be a racer, I'm attracted to the thought of 400+hp. I don't think I could get an engine shop to build an EFI 400hp engine for me for less than $10k. Am I wrong?

 

[Alan _MacDougall]

I had my 351w block built as a 418 by Coast high performance. This was 16 years ago and it is as good as new today. They can custom make the pistons for any head and compression. I had them install my cam. If you can install the heads etc and degree the cam a short block this is a great way to go. Ford Short Block - Ford 418 Short Block, 351 Windsor Flat Top.

 

[Woodchuck]

I got through 1/2 of it so far. Very impressive. I would be happy a quality build from a local engine shop. But, I don't think I'd be saving any money. What is your view of this factory video? Looks as good as OEM to me. I'm truly not sold on Blueprint at this point. Looking for an alternative.

Here's one topic for opinion: They have begun building their own blocks, due to shortage of OEM 351W blocks. Is that a problem? (Wouldn't be "Ford")

I would venture a guess that the "Factory Video" was made to sell their product.... You know how juicy that Whopper looks in the commercial but how different it looks when you unwrap it?

 

[Rufus68]

I think wanting a SBF engine from Blueprint right now might be academic because it doesn't seem like they have any available. At least not for a long time. I base this on looking at their website for availability. Others can chime in as to availability of options.

 

[jsbenami]

I would venture a guess that the "Factory Video" was made to sell their product.... You know how juicy that Whopper looks in the commercial but how different it looks when you unwrap it?

FYI Whoppers are still delicious! I'm in my 40's and have to watch fat and cholesterol now....but if I'm ever moving a house or dropping a motor in a car and need to eat like a race horse I'm down at B.K. if there's not Five Guy's around

I saw a dyno video for one of the big engine houses...think it was "Blueprint" and the guy was saying how this is probably one of the last OE blocks they'll be using for a build as they are now moving into production for replacement block castings due to shortages. But that was before COVID and the parts + labor shortages. I'm pretty sure and now everyone is digging for the 5.0 roller gold in junkyards again. I miss the days of being a youngin' digging elbow deep in junkyards for engine parts, not because I wanted to but because i needed to stay on the road. NOT. Ok Maybe I only miss the being young part 😊

 

[swooshdave]

If you're going with the 408 why stop there, just go to the 427.

 

[GumbosDad]

Why not go straight to Ford Racing.

M-6007-X2302E

I've got this one in my '68 GT convertible. Plenty of giddyup! You can also up the cubes and HP, all with the 4 bolt block.

 

[Tom65]

choose wisely.

427" Windsor 460hp – Smeding Performance

 

[Xpexpert]

I'd go for a coyote with newer auto trans mission with a shift kit.

Gen I Mustang Coyote Swap Kit 5.0L 412-420hp 390LB-FT - MARS Auto Parts & Engine Swaps LS Swap Parts | Kits | Turnkey Pallets

Current Lead Time: 6 months We are the only supplier of completely stand-alone swap ready turnkey Coyote 5.0’s ***IF YOU WANT AN AUTOMATIC YOU MUST PURCHASE A GEN 2 or GEN 3*** This Swap Ready Turnkey pallet features a Ford Performance Coyote engine out of a 2011-2014 Mustang with less than...

lsswap.parts

and the front subframe assembly with reinforcements from Mustangs to Fear.
Easier to access parts for the newer motors from Ford. Get it tuned to your liking or leave it as flashed from MARs.

1967-1968 Front Subframe Assembly (Long) | MTF - Store - Mustangs to Fear

SALE! For a limited time, add IFS Components to your purchase and get a FREE upgrade to Engine Panels—a $300 value! Please call us at (877) 899-9021 to take advantage of this deal not offered online.

mustangstofear.com

 

[moe66]

I considered both a 408 and a 347 from Blueprint. I ultimately went with the 347 since it fits better in the engine bay of my 66 and what the 347 makes in terms of power is already at the edge of what my T5z can handle. I didn’t want to worry any notching shock towers, swapping the hood if the engine was to tall for my stock hood or blowing up the T5z right away. You may not have those concerns with a 68 though. My Blueprint engine is fantastic, I’d recommend an engine from them due to quality and customer service.

Had I built the car with a bigger engine in mind I wouldn’t have hesitated to get the 408.

 

[j persons]

Thank you for your thoughts. Even though mine will not be a racer, I'm attracted to the thought of 400+hp. I don't think I could get an engine shop to build an EFI 400hp engine for me for less than $10k. Am I wrong?

Custom built long block, slightly under your price point. It would be hard to find anything this good for less money. You tell him how much power you want and he will build it accordingly.

Liberator Dart 408/427 Longblock

Fordstrokers liberator 408 - 427 dart longblock

fordstrokers.com

 

[rusty1161]

Custom built long block, slightly under your price point. It would be hard to find anything this good for less money. You tell him how much power you want and he will build it accordingly.

Liberator Dart 408/427 Longblock

Fordstrokers liberator 408 - 427 dart longblock

fordstrokers.com

And when you decide, order sooner than later, and be prepared to wait months for it due to supply issues. Well worth the additional cost over Blueprint, Woody builds great engines and uses top notch and proven parts.

Rusty

 

[BartonFlyer]

I considered both a 408 and a 347 from Blueprint. I ultimately went with the 347 since it fits better in the engine bay of my 66 and what the 347 makes in terms of power is already at the edge of what my T5z can handle. I didn’t want to worry any notching shock towers, swapping the hood if the engine was to tall for my stock hood or blowing up the T5z right away. You may not have those concerns with a 68 though. My Blueprint engine is fantastic, I’d recommend an engine from them due to quality and customer service.

Had I built the car with a bigger engine in mind I wouldn’t have hesitated to get the 408.

Thanks moe66. That's the first direct feedback I've heard from a Blueprint customer. I think their lead time right now is about 4 months, which would be just right for me.

 

[sportsroof69]

choose wisely.

427" Windsor 460hp – Smeding Performance

Notice the lack of brand names? That whole engine is Chinese JUNK, and a total waste of displacement with anemic power.

 

[sportsroof69]

I'd go for a coyote with newer auto trans mission with a shift kit.

Gen I Mustang Coyote Swap Kit 5.0L 412-420hp 390LB-FT - MARS Auto Parts & Engine Swaps LS Swap Parts | Kits | Turnkey Pallets

Current Lead Time: 6 months We are the only supplier of completely stand-alone swap ready turnkey Coyote 5.0’s ***IF YOU WANT AN AUTOMATIC YOU MUST PURCHASE A GEN 2 or GEN 3*** This Swap Ready Turnkey pallet features a Ford Performance Coyote engine out of a 2011-2014 Mustang with less than...

lsswap.parts

and the front subframe assembly with reinforcements from Mustangs to Fear.
Easier to access parts for the newer motors from Ford. Get it tuned to your liking or leave it as flashed from MARs.

1967-1968 Front Subframe Assembly (Long) | MTF - Store - Mustangs to Fear

SALE! For a limited time, add IFS Components to your purchase and get a FREE upgrade to Engine Panels—a $300 value! Please call us at (877) 899-9021 to take advantage of this deal not offered online.

mustangstofear.com

Excellent. You just exceeded his budget by 1000%, and there’s nothing easier to get parts for than a SBF.

 

[sportsroof69]

And when you decide, order sooner than later, and be prepared to wait months for it due to supply issues. Well worth the additional cost over Blueprint, Woody builds great engines and uses top notch and proven parts.

Rusty

If you like rings that don’t seal and a total lack of customer service after the sale.