[dez6485]

Hello everyone, I am new here, and 0new to mustangs. I have always wanted to know how to work on/build cars, tear into engines, etc.

After some research I have decided that I want to go for a 351w in a 67 or 68 coupe.

A couple years ago I never would have thought to do this, but after messing around and building a chopper I have no fear of just diving right in. There are some "complete" 351w's for sale near me relatively cheap, but I do have some questions before I pick one up.

Through my reading, I am confused as to what I should be looking for. I have read some things that say the 69-74 is best, but I've also read other things saying that they are pretty much the same block through the mid eighties (- think?).

My goal is to build a nice street rod, something with plenty of power for a weekend cruiser, maybe see a dragstrip for the hell of it every now and then, but mostly street use. I'd like hp/tq numbers mid 400's, although that's not necessary right off the bat- low/mid 300's is definitely necessary though. That being said, if I planned on going straight to aftermarket heads, such as the 205cc AFR, would it really matter what year engine, or no?

Basic plans are to build the engine as money allows (aka probably slllooowwwly), and save up money to find the right car to drop it in- which for me would be a 67 or 68 coupe. I gather that I would have to do some suspension and rear end upgrading to handle the engine...

I would really appreciate an answer on which years I should stick with, given my plans. To add to that question, if I wasn't going to be going to the aftermarket heads initially, would I be best finding a 69-74 engine?

Thanks!

[dez6485]

right now i have two offers on engines-

first is a '77 that supposedly has 15,000 miles on it and runs perfectly.

second is an '85 coming out of an '85 f350 that was used as a plow truck during the winter.

if the '77 is in the condition the guy says it is, would it need to be machined with only 15,000 miles on it, or is that impossible to tell without getting inside it? and how much would be reasonable to pay for this?

with the '85, i'm told it has never been apart, so i know machining would be involved.

im getting hung up on the years here, as ive read things about having less power after the '74 engines, and im not quite sure what to believe.

and rollers or not? which is better, and why?

thanks

[MustangOne]

Welcome to MM Forums...

Here is my opinion,

The 1969 - 74 is favored by some for their high nickel content.

Me I am more of the mid to late 80's becuase of the rollor block.

Of the 2 choice you have I would go with the 85 model one, becuase it has never been machined before. When boring the motor try not to go over 30 over. the motor will run cooler and you can build it 1 more time.

Then also you can add your on pistons, flat tops for 10:1 compression and add your own roller cam into it.

I dont like buy other peoples build becuase they just dont work good, and they dont know what they are.

The 77 motor will sale for 600 to 1000.

The 85 builder is 250 to 500. for a core.

A non roller has alot more friction. That is one thing we are all look to get rid of.

[dez6485]

thanks for the reply. ive been trying to get a clean, concise answer on a couple different boards, and that was definitely it!

the '85 is from a guy that offered to drop it off to me on his way through town, for $200, so it sounds like the deal!

[460brevill]

i would do the 85 also.

[69fastback]

If you're only looking to make in the 400 hp/tq range, any 351W block will be fine.

and FYI, my block is bored .060, and I have absoltuely no overheating, or any other issues. It's all about how you build them!

[Sapper Daddy]

I agree, Go for the stock roller block and build it the way you want. A few years back when I bought my 67' It had a hot 289, supposedly bored to a 5.0. 2 years later the head gasket blew and dumped tons of water into the oil, she blew and now she sits. And I found out the block is toast now. Go with the stock block and have a reputable shop do the machine work. That's my advice.

[dez6485]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've decided to go with the '85, I should be receiving it sunday morning, ready to tear it down.