I want a 351W. What am I in for?

[CraigS]

A couple of thoughts on 351/408. If you want to stay relatively mild you can use the stock crank and rods. They are significantly stronger than 302 parts and they have one size larger bolts than a 302. Just have them prepped and balanced. Use a set of hypereutectic pistons to get 9.5 to 10-1 CR. Top end kits incl heads, valves, springs, cam etc from companies like Edelbrock easily get you 400+ HP.
https://www.edelbrock.com/shop/power...=3631&efs=3697
I have a Performer RPM (not air gap) on mine w/ this air filter
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spe-47622
and have never had a clearance problem. Concerns about the wider overall width are likewise over blown. I made mine into a 408 4 years ago. Yep I know the left rear spark plug is a little harder to get to, but I haven't needed to go there in these 4 years. So don't worry about it. Oh, I halved the price of my cam, springs, pushrods kit by going non-roller. I used break in oil and break in additive for the first 500 miles and just break in additive for the subsequent oil changes. I started w/ a 331 rear gear for the 351 and left it w/ the 408. When I did the IRS upgrade I couldn't find a 331 so got a 315 for a better price since no one seems to want them. The 408 probably could have used a one step wilder cam because I can go around neighborhood corners in 3rd at 1200 and drive away. This engine w/ a TKO 500 w/ stock gears (same as a T-5) is a fantastically street-able engine. I take people for rides and drive around at 1/2 throttle for a while. When the situation is right I ease up to 2500 in second and nail it. As the rear end wiggles all the way through 2nd, the reactions vary depending on their back round, from laughing their *** off to a look of fright. I love it.

[johnnybgoode]

A couple of thoughts on 351/408. If you want to stay relatively mild you can use the stock crank and rods. They are significantly stronger than 302 parts and they have one size larger bolts than a 302. Just have them prepped and balanced. Use a set of hypereutectic pistons to get 9.5 to 10-1 CR. Top end kits incl heads, valves, springs, cam etc from companies like Edelbrock easily get you 400+ HP.
https://www.edelbrock.com/shop/power...=3631&efs=3697
I have a Performer RPM (not air gap) on mine w/ this air filter
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spe-47622
and have never had a clearance problem. Concerns about the wider overall width are likewise over blown. I made mine into a 408 4 years ago. Yep I know the left rear spark plug is a little harder to get to, but I haven't needed to go there in these 4 years. So don't worry about it. Oh, I halved the price of my cam, springs, pushrods kit by going non-roller. I used break in oil and break in additive for the first 500 miles and just break in additive for the subsequent oil changes. I started w/ a 331 rear gear for the 351 and left it w/ the 408. When I did the IRS upgrade I couldn't find a 331 so got a 315 for a better price since no one seems to want them. The 408 probably could have used a one step wilder cam because I can go around neighborhood corners in 3rd at 1200 and drive away. This engine w/ a TKO 500 w/ stock gears (same as a T-5) is a fantastically street-able engine. I take people for rides and drive around at 1/2 throttle for a while. When the situation is right I ease up to 2500 in second and nail it. As the rear end wiggles all the way through 2nd, the reactions vary depending on their back round, from laughing their *** off to a look of fright. I love it.

2X I run the standard non air gap Performer RPM intake as well and it makes great power with no clearance issues. I even have enough room to run a 1/2" spacer. Go with a nice mild 408 kit, you will be very happy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAuWJqgNFI4 Scott