351W or 302? [Archive] - StangBangerz Forums

mustangbob

11-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Hey everyone this is my first post, I have been just reading the posts since I am new to fox bodies and want to get enough info before I make a decision. Anyway, I am wanting to build a cheaper fox body racer, something that I can technically drive to the track but nothing I want to work on cosmetically, just a nice bracket car that if i blow it up I wont care. So I am wanting a rolling chassis so I can work on it over the winter and work on the engine out of the car. I also am having a debacle on whether I should go with the 302 or get a 351W and just wanted to know how difficult it is to put a 351W in a fox body, from what I have been reading its not all that bad. Furthermore, I am going carburated and just got a nice NX wet kit for a carbed engine that I got for $225 that has settings up to a 350 shot.

So I want to know what all is true and what you guys recommend, I hear that the 302 is only good up to about 500 hp before it splits down the middle and I hear that the 351 W is good up to 700 or so. Also I am wanting to spray, how much of a nitrous hit are the internals good for on the 351W. Anyway I am looking for around 450-500 hp with a cam swap, good intake and carb , and the juice of course. And before anyone gets on my case about the drive train, I already plan on rebuilding the 8.8 with aftermarket axles and possibly a spool, and for the transmission I will be rebuilding an auto that will be rated above the hp I want.

Anyways sorry for the long post, all help is appreciated. :)

Thanks, Bob

Timido

11-01-2009, 09:44 PM

I would go with a 351W based motor. The Bigger the better. Keep the RPM reasonable under 7000 and keep the timing reasonable and a 351 block will take a good bit of abuse and last a long time. 351w stock blocks have 3" mains and they dont like alot of RPM My 8.8 is braced spool 33 spline axles 9" ends and has been taking a beating for Years.