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?

 

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")

 

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.

 

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.

FYI, I reached out to Coast High a few weeks ago, and their response was they are only building Dart blocks right now, and they are months out. If you provide your own block (any block), they can turn it around in a few weeks.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

How is the idle with this one? I am liking it, but do not want the thing to be rude/rough in traffic

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Store - Mustangs to Fear

browse by category ALL PARTS BY CATEGORY SPECIAL DEALS REPLACEMENT PARTS 1965 – 1966 MUSTANG PARTS 1967 – 1968 MUSTANG PARTS 1969 – 1970 MUSTANG PARTS 1967-1968 COUGAR PARTS 1969-1970 COUGAR PARTS STEEL BODIES ELECTRICAL / LIGHTING EXHAUST EXTERIOR INTERIOR BRAKES & ACCESSORIES SUSPENSION...

mustangstofear.com

 

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.

Store - Mustangs to Fear

browse by category ALL PARTS BY CATEGORY SPECIAL DEALS REPLACEMENT PARTS 1965 – 1966 MUSTANG PARTS 1967 – 1968 MUSTANG PARTS 1969 – 1970 MUSTANG PARTS 1967-1968 COUGAR PARTS 1969-1970 COUGAR PARTS STEEL BODIES ELECTRICAL / LIGHTING EXHAUST EXTERIOR INTERIOR BRAKES & ACCESSORIES SUSPENSION...

mustangstofear.com

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

 

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.

 

Just a note - the 408, and 427 stokers being discussed in this thread are 351 windsor blocks - which do not require shock tower notching and fit quite nicely.

 

My Ford crate "Boss" 302 is not the stroker version. I have less than 10k flawless miles on it. No noticeable lope and I ended up putting an AirGap and Sniper on it. Granted I bought it 10+ years ago when they were only $5,600. Sat in the crate for a few years before I got around to installing it. My only motor that I've had built by a shop was Tommy Crowther who I believe is in TX now. He built my Boss 351 for my Pantera, that was a great motor 440hp with C302B heads and decent cam. It was $8k at the time (20 years ago). Probably cost twice that now a days. It survived many track days at Sears Point, Laguna Seca, Thunderhill and others.

 

Cheap, Fast and Reliable - you can only pick two.

for me, I would say go to a local builder if any are around you, however Im somewhat frustrated with my builder now as he doesn't communicate well and hoping he hasn't lost any of my parts as Im almost hitting a year of no real answers or ETA on my build.

I understand some shops are small and working round the clock and waiting for parts, but communication is key in every business transaction.

if I did it again i would choose, Performance Engine Builders | Concord | Prestige Motorsports a friend of mine bought one from them, great customer service. you can modify what you want to build and it will still be under warranty.

I would recommend, looking for an engine shop that dynos their engines after the build and use known brand parts. When they dyno your engine, they can break in the rings/cam/fine tune the engine and its pretty much plug and play after they are done.

Beware though, stay way from ebay, craigslist or IG builders, when talking to a potential shops always look at the reviews, always ask what parts they use and whats the process is, etc. always ask questions! if you feel feel comfortable with them, then pull the trigger

 

for me, I would say go to a local builder if any are around you,

Im almost hitting a year of no real answers or ETA on my build.

 

Throwing in my vote for a BPE crate. Have about 2k miles on their 347 long block. Nice torquey motor that is great on the street, nothing but smiles so far.

 

I second giving Prestige Motorsports a look. I have a 347 multiport EFI from them and I really like it so far. It is around 420hp. They are local to me so I have the added benefit in case something needs looked at. I went through a local restoration shop since I was having a number of things done at the same time. I suggested that they (ForgeSpeed) look at Prestige to source my motor and they were actually looking for a new source for motors. The guy from Prestige (owner) actually made the trip over to show them how to tune their engine after it was installed in my car and I do not think mine will be the last Prestige motor installed by ForgeSpeed.

 

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.
View attachment 821029

I haven't read all the replies but why not build your own?? 5yr ago I wanted a 347 so I bought a machined block from my local builder--I thin it was around $500 machined and cam bearing installed. i bought a 347 rotating kit and built my first motor. I read a lot and watched a ton of videos--mostly Woody's. It was the most rewarding automotive experience I have done. With a bit of research and knowledge, it is not that hard and to this date my 347 is running strong.

I am happy with the 347 but if I was to do it again, I would of gone to a 408 or 427 with an aftermarket block (the 427). I may go that route when I retire--don't need another motor but it was that much fun to so. I don't know your financial position but, I didn't have the $$ to buy something already built and I wanted to learn how to do it. Just my suggestion.

 

I have thought about building my own. I actually have an early 351W block that the seller will either include or credit me for. I’m not scared of building it. I’m scared of not know which parts to buy for the kind of engine I want (+/- 400hp, EFI, aluminum heads, etc.) I’ve never been down that road.

I talked to several Local engine builders and got tepid response and spendy estimates of $7k to $10k to bring this 351 back to life. That’s when I started looking at crate engines.

 

Another thumbs up for Prestige. Doug built a stroked 427 for me several years ago. Fortunately that was pre Covid and supply chain issues. Turn around was very quick and with a 3 year warranty you can’t beat it

 

I have a Tristar 351W high performance version (aluminum heads) in my F100 that I installed last year. Looks like a long block is $4500 and the dynoed RTR is $5800. Add another $500 if you want roller cam. They also offer EFI systems to the compete price. They have 408s too. I’ve had a great experience from them. They’ve been around since the 1980’s and build performance engines and normal replacements.

I’m not so sure their internet pricing is current though since everything seems to have gone up 50% in the last year.

 

I have a Tristar 351W high performance version (aluminum heads) in my F100 that I installed last year. Looks like a long block is $4500 and the dynoed RTR is $5800. Add another $500 if you want roller cam. They also offer EFI systems to the compete price. They have 408s too. I’ve had a great experience from them. They’ve been around since the 1980’s and build performance engines and normal replacements.

I’m not so sure their internet pricing is current though since everything seems to have gone up 50% in the last year.

$500 to switch from a flat tappet, to a roller cam? Do the charge extra for new bearings too?

 

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.

View attachment 821029

I just purchased a 408 stroker from blueprint a month ago for my 66. It will not be ready until May. Just a heads up on lead times.

 

The 347 was only about $500 less expensive and still wouldnt be ready until April. For $500 and a 1 month I could not justify getting the 347.

 

Check warranties. If the engine takes a dump, Blueprint pays shipping both ways. I’d hate to pay freight even just one way on a engine.

 

It's only money and I'm enjoying the car now! It is supposed to be in the mid 50s Christmas Eve and I have the day off with no salt on the roads yet. I think I'll go for a drive in the Mustang! Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

Thank you all for your responses. As a result, I have narrowed it down to either Blueprint 408, or building up a 351W block on my own. The only real trepidation I have about building the 351W is I'm ignorant on parts specifications and engine block prep/refurb.

 

Bring the block to a machine shop and let them handle that part of it. I brought my block and a new set of pistons to a machine shop last year and he did all the prep work, installed bearings, sized rods, new freeze plugs etc. It cost me around $1,300. I built the motor up from there. I am a rookie at this stuff. This was my first time ever assembling a car engine.