which 351 block to get?

805 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by DPM, Mar 31, 2001

Mike_B

Discussion Starter · Mar 30, 2001

I'm trying to decide which 351W block I should be hunting for. One friend told me to get a 93 and later block because I can use a roller cam. Someone else told me to get a 69-74 block because they are stronger. A third person told me they're all the same. Any of you guys have some input? I'm planning on a rebuild and aftermarket heads so that is not a concern. Right now I just need the best block/crank/rods for the least money. Thanks.

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Woodchuck

· #2 · Mar 30, 2001

IMO, the 351W from the Lightning truck is the way to go.

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Huskinhano

· #3 · Mar 30, 2001

Yes! My brother is still kicking himself for not picking the one up at Reading Ford show last summer for $300.00. They have exellent quality hyperuetectic pistons from the factory, better than the aftermarket.

Tom
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bosscars

· #4 · Mar 30, 2001

Mike

I have a 95 Lightning 351W short block that I am VERY satisfied. The 351 Sportsman blocks are very strong with higher nickel content and thicker mains. Plus, you can't argue about the pluses with a roller equpped motor. I would STRONGLY suggest you look in that direction.....

randy

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abn

· #5 · Mar 31, 2001

Are the Lightning short blocks based on the Sportsman block?

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· #6 · Mar 31, 2001

There is a difference in the older 351Ws. The deck height (distance from the crank centerline to top of cylinders) on the 69-72 blocks is 9.480 while 73 and later is 9.503. The result is that most aftermarket pistons are designed for the older blocks and will cause a slightly lower CR when used in the later blocks. Just something to think about when matching and measuring your components.

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DPM

· #7 · Mar 31, 2001

According to G. Reid's '98 book "High Performance Ford ......", the best 351W blocks were produced from 1969-71 because they have a higher nickel content. These blocks would be numbered C90E and D1AE.

I don't know about the new stuff others have mentioned.

There are significent 351W engine differences in the areas of cam lift, port size, and combustion-chamber volume but I won't address those since you are only looking for a block.

David
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