Performance economy 351W build

[bluebolt]

I am starting a different build thread for this motor than than the truck because it will not go into it for a while and maybe never LOL.
Anyways I am trying to build a budget performance 351W that will have decent power and gas mileage. The "model" is the Junkyard Jewel in Hot rod mag a few years back. I am collecting parts now. Goal is 300 HP and 20 MPG on the highway at 60 MPH. I am going to keep a log of parts and costs here. Basic premise is late model roller cam 351W out of junkyard, GT40P heads out of Explorer, Edelbrock 351W 4 barrel intake manifold, 600 CFM carb, shorty headers and mild cam. It may get fuel injection later.

Parts and costs so far
1. 351W intake bought off of Shreveport Craigslist, bought it and 351C Street Dominator intake for $80 for both, sold 351C intake on Ebay, 351W Performer ended up costing me about $30.

2. 2001 Explorer GT40 engine complete from local junkyard $214, had low oil pressure so they were selling it as a core. Recouped about $120 of cost so far selling oil pan, water pump/brackets and exhaust maniolds on Ebay.

3. I found a 351W roller cam motor in the local U-Pull-It in a 1997 van. Trans is already out but haven't grabbed motor yet because pulling out a van motor sucks! Will try to get it this Friday if the rain stops.

Right now I am debating on v-belts or the serpentine belt accessories. I know where there is a 1977 Ford with a 351W so I could grab those or use the serpentine ones from the van. What do you guys think?

[36truck]

Sounds like a good project. I would go with the serpentine belt.

[PFM-64f100]

Sounds like a good project. I would go with the serpentine belt.

I second the go with Serpertine belt system. I have found them to be easier plus they adjust tension them self which is a good thing.

Unless your playing with my little mazda and it does not self adjust but it is serp.. Go figure..

[crey]

Sounds like a good project. I would go with the serpentine belt.

I second the go with Serpertine belt system.

I got 3rd's!!

[oldtrucks]

Serpentine for sure crey.

I am doing a 351 build for my 86 Bronco and am looking for a serpentine set up too. Mine isn't a roller and it has already been built, so I was told, It will see the engine stand in the next week or two. My plan is to take it apart, inspect everything,identify all the parts and take it to the machine shop for cleaning and have it balanced then re assemble it and I should have a good engine for not a lot of money.

[bluebolt]

Well I went and pulled the engine out of the van today with the help of a buddy. Easier than I expected and didn't even use a hoist LOL. The radiator, transmission and exhaust was already pulled by somebody else. The front of the van disasembles, we didn't have to use the sawzall much. We pulled off the intake and heads, here's a tip you need a Torx T40 socket for the middle passenger side intake plenum bolt. After taking the motor mounts loose from the block my buddy used a board for leverage on the back of the block to get the oil pan clear of the crossmember and I pulled on the front. With a bit of grunting and heaving we wiggled it out and right onto the U-pull-it yard cart. When we got it paid for we put on the engine cradle "feet" I borrowed from Gritsngumbo, rolled it up on my little trailer and just rolled it off the trailer at my house and right into the shop. Engine looks fairly clean, no sludging but some carbon buildup from the heads. I will check the bearings and maybe throw some rings in it if I don't see any problems it goes in the truck as is.

PS $110.57 for short block and distributor, no brackets.

[Alan Mclennan]

I`m with the serpentine belt as well!