302 vs 351?

[DavidNJ]

Originally Posted by niles

When I'm loafing around at 2K and I punch it; I want immediate tire scredding; not wait .5 sec for the revs to climb to 3K.

I think this quote sums it up well. There is also a thread in the Kirkham forum about 289s, increased demand, and handling.

If you want to drive the car with an E320s cruising rpm, and your are interested in power between 2000 and 3500 rpm, you would want a big motor with a relatively lazy cam.

If you like beating the heck out of the car...driving with your foot to the foor and shifting at the redline (and don't live in the desert/Montana/etc.), something a little slower that needs to be rev'd for power can be more fun.

When people say 302, they usually mean 8.2" deck height block family. With a 4" bore that can go from a 289 (4.00" x 2.87") to a 347 (4.03"x 3.40"). With a Dart, World, or SVO block that can be bored to 4.185, that could go to 375 (4.155"x3.5").

When they say 351 they mean a 9.2" or 9.5" deck height block. These can go from 351 (4.00"x3.50") to 408 (4.03"x4.00"). With a World/Dart/SVO block this can go to 460 (4.155"x4.250"). 358 (4.155" x 3.335") is a popular size, used in Nascar engines. Summit sells a complete (carb to ignition, dynoed and warrantied) 460cid 575hp World engine for $11,000. I'm pretty sure that Keith Craft or another reputable Ford shop (FPS, Bennett) would have something similar.

A more custom 302 or 351, such as John Marsey's Yates headed 331, can run closer to $20k. And I can imagine an aluminium block, titanium rod, dry sumped engine (which I believe some people have put in Kirkhams) running over $25k.

The weight difference between a 8.2" and 9.5" block setup is an insignficant 30-50#. However, your headers may be designed to line up with one or the other. The 8.2" block is a little lower, allowing a taller intake to clear. Although, I've seen pretty tall 351 setups clearing in most of the cars I've seen.

A couple of people have mentioned the advantages of saying you have a 427 in a car that looks like a 427 S/C. 390 FEs can be very street drivable for under $10k. They externally look like a 427FE.

Few of the 427FEs are 427s these days, with most people going for stroked and bored versions. Also, many are using new aluminum blocks and heads, that really aren't original designs under the covers.

I believe most purchasers of used Superformance and Backdraft cars expect to find 302/351 family of engine under the hood. As long as yours is from a reputable builder your resale should be ok.