302 vs 351?

[jeffko]

They are both small blocks. The 351 just has a taller deck for more cubes. Cubes = torque and torque is where it's at down low and horsepower finishes the show.

I built a 393 with a 351W for less than $6k and you can too. No cheap parts and most all ARP studs. My first dyno finished with 435/453 at the rear wheels.

[Capt H]

Thanks for all the replys, it sounds as if I should at least go with the 351W.

[Cashburn]

One of my favorite motors in these cars is the Roush 342R. It is ideally suited to the light car and does not get very hot. The 392 is another nice match in the 351W variety.

Our customers who put the most miles on their cars have either the Ford Racing 302/345HP package or the 392/430HP setup. Mike is going to have to show them up with the 408 this year.

[Jeff Frigo]

Think about how you will feel when somebody (basically everybody) asks what engine is under the hood? Umm... its a 5.0.

[jmarsey]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

Think about how you will feel when somebody (basically everybody) asks what engine is under the hood? Umm... its a 5.0.

Wow Jeff, that's a pretty arrogant statement. Should I feel bad because I have a 5.0 that makes 580 naturally aspirated HP under my hood?

Please, let me know. John

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by jmarsey

Wow Jeff, that's a pretty arrogant statement. Should I feel bad because I have a 5.0 that makes 580 naturally aspirated HP under my hood?

Please, let me know. John

Don't feel bad, but anybody can make hp at big rpm's. Besides, why is the first question that most people ask is "You got a 427 in that?" The guy asked for an opinion, and I gave him mine.

[jmarsey]

Ok Jeff, and thanks for clearing that up for me.

[427SnakeSC]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

Don't feel bad, but anybody can make hp at big rpm's. Besides, why is the first question that most people ask is "You got a 427 in that?" The guy asked for an opinion, and I gave him mine.

I get asked all the time, "Is there a 427 in that?" Side emblems "427 Ford Cobra" That is one of the reasons I am going with a CSX with a 427 FE in it. I will feel a little better when they ask.

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

Don't feel bad, but anybody can make hp at big rpm's. Besides, why is the first question that most people ask is "You got a 427 in that?" The guy asked for an opinion, and I gave him mine.

Nope, first question is "Is it real or a kit?" to which you will both have the same answer

[Naumoff]

Are you getting a Cobra to have the fastest car on the street or are you getting a Cobra to experience what it would be like to have the car Shelby built in the 60's?
You can only put so much HP to the street.

[Jeff Frigo]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

Are you getting a Cobra to have the fastest car on the street or are you getting a Cobra to experience what it would be like to have the car Shelby built in the 60's?
You can only put so much HP to the street.

B.S.

Read my signature.

[Naumoff]

Originally Posted by Jeff Frigo

B.S.

Read my signature.

That's your opinion and my post is mine. No Bu!!sh!t.

[Burnd]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

You can only put so much HP to the street.

Absolutely correct. The rest is useless except for blowing smoke. I considered camming back. I think I can get better 0 -1000ft's with less but more "manageable" HP and not worry about doing and end-arounds at 80MPH when it breaks loose in third. All that HP sounds great till it jumps up and bites you in the ass when you can't hook it up in any gear. Hopefully you're alone as opposed to risking someone else's neck. If all you're doing is talking about what you got, instead of jumpin on it; then it's no big deal. Been to that show and it's a wake-up call.

[RallySnake]

THANK YOU!

It's good to hear some reason on this forum.

Paul

[SkipB]

Buy as much horsepower as you can afford regardless of the engine choice. I love my 351W/385hp, but wish I had about another 100 or so hp!

My favorite drive was in a 347 that had 500+hp and I think was redlined at over 7000rpm. (not real sure about this) What a thrill, especially when we merged onto Interstate 8 at about 7000rpm in 2nd gear. It really caught the eye of the CHP officer who came up next to us as we shifted into 3rd. He just wagged a finger at us and grinned. We went quickly into 5th and slowed down. That engine is a real screamer and sounds great.

SkipB

[uncltodd]

Thomas, little Gunrack will never see 250 without a front air dam.

With a 351W at 325 RWHP pulling strongly through 5th...

the front end started to float at 155.

'Nuff for me.

Next time around, dead-stock injected 302. The wife might actually drive that one.

UT

[hssss]

One of the major decision points hasn't been mentioned. I am frugal/cheep so the thought of a 4k+ aftermarket block gives me some concern. That said if using a production block based Windsor you need to keep in mind the breakability of the final product. It is well documented that the 302/5.0 has a couple of major strength problems. Thin deck, when you hear of someone who is making some power blowing the head gasket generaly it is because the deck is so thin that it moved around. A patch is to O ring the block but it is just that a patch. The more serious involves the block splitting in two down the middle sometimes even at "stock" power levels. at 350+ it generaly isn't if but when. The 351 Windsor, they are both the same basic design, has thicker decks and more metal in the bearing webs and generaly dont have those problems. To me what I'm doing for a 1600 lb Lotis 7 which by design is basicly a Cobra light weight works and is reasonable. I'm using a 96 F250 roller block (125 for long block) which will have a forged 3.85 crank (500?) stock 351 truck rods forged 302 pistons (400?) aluminum heads which will probably be somewhat cost driven Crane cam using factory roller lifter pieces and Crane Cobra rockers with an EFI. I expect nominaly 450 Hp but should be better and should be very reliable. I expect the car to give new meaning to the term traction limited even with 315s and generaly not be able to use more than a quarter throttle. I don't expect to have as much in the whole car as what has been mentioned in this thread. Bottom line unless required by a racing class restriction I would never use a 5.0 though my primary DD for the last few years is a 93 Cobra when it dies it gets a 351.

[Fred Z]

Capt. H........well, dude, you asked, and not going to be easy to decide....as these guys know their stuff, and obviously have varied opinions!! Here is mine....as i just sold my 1st Cobra......and building a new one, very custom! The 1st......had a 351 moved out to 418...505 hp with 528lbs of torque! No doubt, had more hp than needed and could feel it had too much many times.........BUT that sound, that power , and that knowledge........that if needed, could blow everyone away......and probably me too!! Now, I am going for a CHP motor........351 stroked to an actual 427....will have 550+hp and big torque too! I added 'mass -flow' EFI which gives the look of the carb, but the control, fuel milage, and streetability of a powerful engine and easier to start, and such.........just better IMHO. But , and here is the bottom line........these cars are a special deal.........they are good looking, timeless to be sure, and they command attention.......you can drive any motor you like........only you can determine what is right, or wrong! Now, if certain other factors engage......ie: sale ability later.....or safety on a daily drive....or just plain money savings......then that is a different matter, as all these gentlmen have covered! One thing does, however, seem to be continuous..........that the Cobra you own, is one fun car, to be taken very, very very seriously, and if you have the "need for speed".....then go with power, and be sure to update your insurance policy as well as your will!!!
Have a good experience.........it will be like no other one in a "seat" that you will ever duplicate!
fred.

[hssss]

Like Fred Z said it's your car determine your goal and go for it. A few things to remember while building. "Too much is just about enough" "You can't win if you dont finish" (many races are won by a slower car) and fineally "It's realy pissing offing to have to get out and push"

Have fun

[Rick Parker]

You don't NEED more power. But, after bitten, you WANT more power.

Very well said Rally Snake!

My car is a little unusual comparatively speaking, it is a 289 bodied NAF. Not an FIA wide hipped type but a slabside with the wheel arches tastefully widened about 2", so it accepts a 289 very well and THAT is the correct motor for it. When I built the engine it was originally built to 289/ 271 K motor specs. Later I changed the heads, cam, intake and headers. I have never desired a larger engine, but more Horsepower like all of us. Currently it's developing about 380HP as it is now and it hooks hard and rpms very quickly. Understandably it is not a torque monster so it does not overpower the tires past 2nd gear, the car just squirts like a "watermelon seed". It is very quick through the gears. Do not sell a well built "Real" small block short.