what is the better 351w block to get..

[aperacer]

looking to build a stoked windsor... what years are the best to get.. or is one better than the other.. and is there a roller conversion for non roller blocks..

[mustangboy]

If I remember right the best blocks are suppose to be the 69-72's. What kind of power are you looking to make and are you going to be using a power adder? I would say if you are keeping it around 600 or so and keep the timing conservative any of the windsors should have a nice long life. I was told the key is the timing and the quality of the machine work.

[PaulFiveOh]

Oooooo Good Question!

I will be listening in!

[mustangboy]

Oh yeah on the lifters I believe most guys just end up spending the big bucks and buy the high dollar link bar style lifters. They are more money but you may as well do it right he first time. With as many guys on here that run 408's I'm sure they will chime in ang give you all the info you could ever use.

[ibstrokin]

69's are the best,some guys are going high 8's on stock 69 blocks. 70-74's are real close to the 69's. the rest are less desirable, but still far stronger than any production 302. I have friends that have run high 9's on mid 80's blocks. As far as lifters, you can run link bars( if you plan on using a roller cam) or have the block machined for dogbones and spider, or get a set of plastic alignment bars from a newer style explorer engine. Some roller applications require a small base circle cam. If you go flat tappet you don't need anything special.

[chad393na]

I have a '74 that's taking 650-700 fwhp right now with no problems. I plan on spaying another 50-100 on it. Brian's right, '69-'74 are the strongest with the newer ('94 and up) one's being the weakest. I still wouldn't be afraid to make 700+ with a newer one, though.

[aperacer]

that helps with the question abou the block. now what do you guys know about 427 strokers. or is there a better set up. mostly street driven but not a daily driver. she wants to start racing now.

[Rich]

The bad thing about the 427 strokers is the 4.17 stroke cause some clearance issues with not only the block but the camshaft. If you are going the stroker route...get a 408-418 and be done with it.

[aperacer]

that is also in the info i was looking for.. thanks.....

[Timido]

if you want to go big get a dart or world block and make a 427-440-460

[ibstrokin]

Save your money if it's a street car, a 408 will make alot of power/torque, and you can run any prod 351 block you want.

[Timido]

It all depends on how fast you want to spend your money.

[NXcoupe]

It all depends on how fast you want to spend your money.

Good point. I believe the 69 to 74 blocks to be the strongest, but the rest of the blocks will take a bunch of hp compared to a 5.0 stock block. If you use a girdle and good hardware on the block, it will go to just about any level of hp you would use in a street car with the occaisional jaunt down the 1/4. No, I am not talking a 1000 rwhp car, but 600 to 750 is reasonable, especially if the tune is sensible.
I prefer the link style lifters to a small base circle cam because there are so many more cams to choose from when you use a standard type camshaft. The late model roller blocks are a great idea when you are contemplating a windsor project. They use stock style lifters and a 302 style cam. Best of both worlds imho.
I have built a 427 stroker both ways, with a big bore and the long stroke Probe kit, and didn't have a problem with either one. They both went together well and worked well, but then I didn't use a 700 lift cam either.