[94GTD1SC]

I'm looking for a motor to put my D1SC on. I have been trying to decide if I should go with a Dart 302 block with a Scat 4340 forged crank, Eagle forged rods, Probe pistons and a TF track heat HCI combo or...
If I'm going to spend all that money should I say screw the 302 and use a 351 with the same rotating assembly and HCI? I'm looking to run 15-20 lbs of boost on the motor.

[dr.gonzo]

I would go with as much displacement as you can go. that way the hp is already there. take a look at the N/A small block that runs 9's what to you need boost for?

[homebrewed]

As you kow, a centrifugal S/C will keep spinning and making power so long as your block don't go boom. Wind it to like 6500 and WOW!! A V8 will make enough torque down low until the blower takes over, so whatever you decide, make it tough and able to twist fairly high. Nothing too crazy, you don't need a 7600RPM redline or anything, but the higher you can rev, the more use you'll get outta your S/Cer

[NottyBoy93]

If you already have gotten past the expense of a blower, go bigger on displacement. Windsor blocks are stronger by design and will pay for itself in the long run with the difference in performance. My opinion, I have never used a 302, only Windsors so I am kinda biased.

[94GTD1SC]

I'm liking the idea of the 351 so I won't have to rev it as high. This will be a weekend street car with the occasional trip to the track. I'm looking to make 500-550 hp and keep my a/c,p/s and driveability. Do you think I'll need an aftermarket block for the 351 or will the stock block handle the hp I'm looking for?

[homebrewed]

A stock 302 block will handle 500, but its on borrowed time. You would be amazed at what 450 or so will do. Keep your accessories, but take as much weight out as possible. Thats the enemy hehehe. I am aiming for 500 outta my 306, but I'm gonna reinforce the block, or, when I can afford it comfortably, get a prepped block to handle the boost from the D-1 that is gonna hang from it. A 351 and 302 are the same block, just different deck heights. Same as a 408. If it were me, 400 would be my limit on a stock block.

[94GTD1SC]

I was under the impression that the 351 was a stronger block and could handle more power than the 302. Is this not the case?

[homebrewed]

To the best of my knowledge, and PLEASE correct me if I am wrong, a 302 and 351 are identical blocks. The power capabilities for both are the same. Meaning they can both, for arguments sake, withstand 500HP. Don't go quoting me on this and build yourself a 600 horse motor and it come flying apart when you twist the key, again, this is to the BEST of my knowledge, they have equal potential.

Fell free to correct me.

[SVOMan]

302 and 351 blocks are not identical and the same strength. They are very similar. Both of them have been made from different castings over the year, and the strength has varied (for the most part, they have gotten lighter/weaker in the newer blocks). From what I have read, the weekest 351w block (79-newer) is still stronger than the strongest 302 castings (pre-81). The 69-70 351w is the strongest factory 351w block you can get.

So, the advantage is towards the 351w for strength.

Personally, unless you are going for a sleeper look where they are smart enough to recognize the difference between a 302/351, I think the advantage is pretty strong towards a 351w (but others will disagree).

-Matt "Knowledge is HorsePower"
02 Mustang GT
84 SVO (heavlily modified)
71 Bronco -351w
69 Fastback -331 stroker
63 Econoline -302

[homebrewed]

Thank you!! There ya go 94! The SVOman has answered lol

[zero]

i have a 351, and its great. there are a few major differences between the 302 and the 351.

"The factory 302 block is inherently weak and doesn't hold up well to serious levels of power and torque. The 351W on the other hand features a much beefier block design and is more suited to high levels of power and more demanding environments."

http://www.alternativeauto.com/water..._strokers.html


i vote you stroke a 351W 383, 427,or 454 even. go crazy.

i have so much more with my 351W that i didnt with the 5.0. and now i have surprise to add to that list.

[NottyBoy93]

There is no doubt that a 351W block is stronger than a 302. They are not identical. The 351W was a thicker cast. Either way, I would not push more than 550fwhp on a stock block for long. You could go all forged internals and girdle the mains and get great strength out of a 2blt main. You will certainly get some mixed emotions when you start talking about exactly how much hp a stock lower will take, they vary in opinion to the degree of about 25-50hp difference with most you will talk to. Not enough to avoid stepping up a notch if you decide to go 500+. My opinion.

[94GTD1SC]

Thanks to all you guys for the input. I'm going with the 351W. :award