value of a 351 W from gen 1 Lightning?

Whip · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 09:07 AM

Guys I am looking at a complete 351W (R code) from a 1995 lightning. The guy wants 2200 I was going to offer 2000 just to see if he bites, but it still seems high. What do you think its worth?

PSB · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 09:42 AM

Kinda depends on how many miles are on it. If it needs a rebuild, you'd be better off getting a plain jane 351W and build it up. Gen 1 Lightning engines only produced about 285hp. You can easily get 400 hp out of a 351W with the right heads, cam, and intake. If you do buy it, you'll probably want to convert if from speed density to mass air (assuming you're keeping the EFI). If you're putting it in a Cobra, getting a GT40 intake on a 351W to fit under the hood will also be a problem.

Pete

Whip · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 11:34 AM

Not going efi....basically just want it for the roller block and gt40 heads

PSB · #4 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 11:46 AM

FYI - Lightning motors had a roller capable block, but had flat tappet cams.

Pete

PSB · #5 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 11:56 AM

Forgot to add that they also had hyperutectic pistons.

I got a 351W from a junkyard for $150. You can get a good rebuild kit with forged pistons for around $600. Roller cam retrofit and camshaft is about $300. AFR 185 heads (flow MUCH better than GT40s) for $1200. Add about $300 for machine work, and you have a 400hp 351 for about what you're going to pay for the 285hp Lightning.

Pete

Whip · #6 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 12:57 PM

Ya.....junk yard wanted 1000 bucks for a junk yard 351!!!!!!!!!!!!

PSB · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whip

Ya.....junk yard wanted 1000 bucks for a junk yard 351!!!!!!!!!!!!

- I guess $2000 for a Lightning engine is a pretty good deal then!

Jack21 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 03:48 PM

Whip, nix the Lightning motor. If you could simply drop the motor into the car and everything worked, fine. But it's configured all wrong for a Cobra. The EFI, for one, won't fit under a Cobra hood. Follow PSB's advice on a 351W build up. Most of us with 351W's have followed pretty much the same path.

Now if you browse through the Want Advertizer and find a running engine more appropriate for a Cobra, it might be worth a shot.

Whip · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 06:34 PM

Jack what do you mean? Its got GT40 heads, its a stout motor, I mentioned I wouldn't be using the efi, Is there clearence issues?

PSB · #10 (**permalink**) 09-05-2003, 07:51 PM

Whip,

If you put a carb on it, it should fit fine. I think part of what Jack is getting at is GT40 heads are not the greatest for a 351W. They are good for a 302, but aren't really adaquate for a 351. If you're on a budget, the Lightning engine will work fine and you can upgrade later. You may be able to get some power out of the Lighning engine by changing the cam also.

Here's an article from Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords where they got 75hp and 50 ft/lbs torque on an FMS 392 stroker just by taking off the GT40 heads and replacing them with AFR 185s: http://www.airflowresearch.com/artic...le04/A4-P1.htm

Pete