351 Block help

[dlowe01]

I currently have a 1974 block that is bored 60 over. I want to build a 408 stroker and feal that is a little thin for the stroker. Am going to buy another block and was wondering what years I could use and still use my same heads, accessories bell housing etc. with?

[blykins]

dlowe...

To answer your question, if you stay with a 65-78 block, you will be fine, as they all use 6 bolt bellhousings. Of course your heads will work on any Windsor small block or 289-302.

However, I really doubt you need to search for another block. I have a D9 block (1979) that I had bored .060" to make a 425ci stroker. It's been running since March, and it will sit and idle at 180 degrees all day long. It was also pushed very hard on a dyno...I really doubt you have anything to worry about unless you plan on some really high combustion pressures as with forced induction or nitrous.

I've been told the only blocks that you need worry about are the late 80's and 90's blocks...they were thinner and less-beefy to save weight.

[Ron61]

Dlowe,

My block is a 74 and my stroker was built by Canton Machine Works in Canton, Ohio back in 1996 and I have never had a problem at all with it. It is stroked out to 416 as I was a little afraid to go to the 427 but from what I hear they now have them very reliable. Another person I know had his stroked to 410 and has ran it extremely hard with no problems and it was built in 1997.

Ron

[TonyMadrid]

The earlier blocks were stronger; the base webbing was stronger. I believe from 1969 to mid 1974. Also the deck heght on those blocks was .023" shorter.

If you have a 1969 block you should be okay to overbore .060

[madgrinder]

And you have to watch the short deck height when ordering pistons...especially those from Kieth Black.

I have .021" clearance on closed-chamber heads. The pistons are .014" out of the block...never any carbon buildup problems, though...