Hey guys,
I was doing some thinking this weekend, and eventually I will need a new engine.
I'm gonna go up alittle higher and put 44" boggers on her.
So, I'm not sure how much MORE my 302 can take. I was thinking either a professionally (carb) built 351 W stroked or a 460.
I'm thinking maybe the 351 would be cheaper and easier....i could use my Edelbrock heads, same motor mounts, and same trans.
What would be a good stroker size for a 351W? I see all different sizes 392,392,408,418, and 420.
Or do you think I should go with the 460 for reliability issues?

Let me know what you think guys.

Thanks,
Jerry D.

 

Well as you know I'm no expert, but I guess it depends on a few things. First off, how much do you plan on driving your truck? Is it your everyday driver or something that you just like to show off? I guess it also depends on how much money you have at the time too. I would think with 44's you'd want as much torque and displacement as possible. Swapping a big block would be quite an ordeal, probably almost more trouble than it's worth, but then again, you've already done so much to your truck. I think I would go with the Stroked 351. There are so many advantages that you mentioned, like being able to use the same heads, tranny, motor mounts, and not having to get custom or at least different drive shafts, etc. The engine might not last as long, but what you lose with durability you might make up for in compatibility and the money you save with the swap. The reason I don't know much about these Stroker and big block swaps is because never in a million years would I have a prayer of passing smog here in California if I did something like that. Any ways, I'm sure you'll still be making crazy amounts of power out of a stroked 351, it will be an easier and cheaper swap, and if you don't like it, you can always go bigger next time. But it would be hard to go back to a Windsor engine once you've done the big block swap. Any ways, that's my .02.

 

If you think about it, you could get about as much STREETABLE horsepower from a small block. I'd go with a 408. Its not maxing out the block and a small block would be so much quicker than a big block. But, then again, if you stuff the big block with all the aluminum parts you can afford, it'll be quick too. We raced an iron 460 stroked and bored to 530 cubes and used the same engine for the 12 years we raced big block. It was quick and could crank at 7G all day long. That was also alot of money to build it for the late model class we raced at the local track. Rebuild it every winter. You're already set up for a small block so that would be the way to go IMHO.

 

Tf,
I really like to drive my truck at least 3 times a week for maybe around 10-15 miles. It's not my primary vehicle...thank god!

I mean, how many big trucks do you see that have a 351 stroker engine.....When i go to truck shows, all i see are BIG blocks.
Maybe i just want to be different.

Decisions.....Decisions...............

 

the stroked 351 gets my vote, I just think its more imprssive to be getting big power from a small block vs. seeing a big block with lots of power, I guess its like pulling for the underdog. Plus if its easier do it. How does the truck do now with the 302?

 

if it was my truck, id go with a 393, maybe fuel injected. if you look at some of the gen1 lightning messageboards, theres a lot of people running 393's making excellent amounts of hp/tq. plus, if you treat it right, i doubt the difference in durability between it and a 460 would be all that great. if you go stroker, are you thinking carb or FI?

 

I'd go for the big block myself. I don't know if you drive this pickup daily or not, but if you do a stroked engine wouldn't be my choice. Your best bet for this modification would be to go to a junkyard and find an old '70s-80s with all the drivetrain in it.

 

If you got the $$ I say BIG BLOCK! You're gonna need all the tourqe you can get to turn 44's I think when you get into boring to much and stroking you're setting yourself up for problems with the engine, but I guess its a tradeoff for the problems you're gonna have gettin that big sucker under the hood.

 

427 stroker

 

Hey Dvldog458,

As you know I am in the middle of a "baby stroker" project. The main reason I went with a 327 stroker was the most additional displacement I could get from the same size block without sacrificing longevity. I also did not want to have to get new accessory brackets, new exhaust, etc.

Since you have a special purpose truck and have a need for substantial increase in the torque department, it would make sense to step up to more cubes. I do believe a stroked 351 would make more sense for you since the additional items needed for the swap are minimal. You could also keep your fuel injection since the system is the same on both engines, I would suggest at least doing the mass air conversion if you stick with injection for better drivability since I'm sure you plan on way above stock parameters. You will only need to modify exhaust, get two new accessory brackets, and a 351 lower intake (I believe you said you already have the Edelbrock, right?) So you buy a short block with a 351 distributor and you are in business.

The 392 is very attractive because most combos use a stock 5.0 piston which keeps the price down plus the nice long skirt for a stable piston. The rod angle is not that bad so side loading is kept to a minimum. The 408 isn't bad, but requires a custom piston so the price goes up.

My engine builder is getting 500hp & 550ft-lbs from fuel injected 408 strokers(with good heads, cam selection, and proper fuel delivery).

One last point is the small block stroker is much lighter especially with aluminum heads. That's as good as free horse power.

 

My vote goes with the big block. Torque will definitely be an issue and as far as weight goes, I wouldn't say that is as much of an issue in an F-250 as it would be in say a Mustang. Big power can be made without longevity being such an issue as with a stroker. I had thought about the same application as Fast Pony is doing for my F-150 but I believe if I do an engine swap it will be with a larger motor. So: My vote...Big Block or crate motor.

 

Well, since you don't seem to put more than 50 miles a week on your engine (for the most part it seems) I would say that the stroker does't sound like a bad idea. I am so glad that this is not your daily driver! I can't even imagine what your fuel expenses would be! Mine are bad enough as it is

 

I have had basically the same truck but short wheelbase. But did run the 44's. Went with a built 302. Wouldnt change it for the world, for the dependability, cost and performance. I like the small block because you get that quick rev. We do alot of mudding so I really liked it for that and hill climbing.(on smaller tires of course.) Thats my 2 cents.

 

I'm in the middle of a 408 stroker project, should give me about 500hp, 550lbft torque. I figure it will cost me about $5,000 to build the engine, it will be set up so i can easily slap a blower on it when i have more cash, that will get me in the 800 horsepower range. If thats enough power for you it would be easier to stay with the small block. If you looking for more go for a stroked 460 (509 is a reliable stroker), it will probably run you the same amount of money to build either engine. You might have to change a lot of things with the 351 stroker anyways. Will your stock motor mounts, your transmission and drivetrain be able to handle the extra power?

-Jon

 

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