Stroking A 351

What is the best 351W block to either start a 408 stroker project or just the best block to build?

well, a 69 block would be the best, but for a 408, a late model roller sounds better to me, can be had for low coin in almost any boneyard. and of course thats depending on the amount of abuse you plan to deal upon the mill. and for the best period, id go dart, lotsa meat there. cant go wrong, funds determine speed.

All the 351w's will take at least 600hp. As mentioned above, the 69/70 are probably the strongest due to their beefer main bearing supports. Expect those blocks to be worth at least another 100hp or more. One problem with using the 69/70 blocks is that their deck height is about .023" shorter than 1971 and newer blocks. This can lead to pistons tops being higher than the block's deck. Most pistons can be machined shorter if needed.

The 71-74 blocks are the next strongest an well worth a look.

So tell us, how much HP are you wanting to put out?

there's an easy way around using the '69-'70 blocks with 408". Just use 331 pistons and 6.300" rods. Or if you want a 418" go with 6.250" rods and 331 pistons. Mine is 414" (.060" 408) using 6.300 rods, 331 flat tops (compression height 1.165") and it came out to .006 in the hole without decking the block. I like 'em out .008-.010 so I had the decks cut a little to square everything up.

That crazy side of me likes that 427 500+ HP, $$$$$$. Dart block and the works. The realist father of two toddler daughters - 450hp - home built. Never did a stroker, the math is intimidating - deck hieight, stroke, ya da ya da ya!
If I get to scared, maybe just a brute FE!

Nothing to the stroker..Like Dennis says pretty much any 351 block should be good for at least 500hp probably more..Deck clearance is only a concern on the 69-70s so anything else you won't have to worry about...The 408 Scat assembly goes in with almost no fuss,just some slight grinding at the oil pump pad..Bolt on the H/C/I of your choice and 500 hp should be no problem....I love FE's and had full intentions of building a 428 for my car...Without starting a war the 408 stroker with good parts will likely make as much or more power than the 428 and you don't have to swap all of your parts including,mounts,headers,tranny....Best of all if you blow it up you can go to the junkyard and find a new block for $100 bucks or maybe less..Try doing that with a 428 block!...Also changing spark plugs or bolting up headers is much much easier with the 351 based motor.

Thanks, thats why I like the idea of the 427 Stroker, get the ego of the big cubes and fender badges, the HP without the cost of the big block assosciated swap.
How is your 408 coming.

Originally Posted by Gydyup

Thanks, thats why I like the idea of the 427 Stroker, get the ego of the big cubes and fender badges, the HP without the cost of the big block assosciated swap.
How is your 408 coming.

The 427 stroker gets a little more complicated since the rods get real close to the camshaft...The 408 kit is a real simple swap and I think that's why its so popular.....My 408 has the top end torn off it awaiting new head gaskets...I think I'm going to wait till warmer weather to put it back together....Hopefully my leaks will be behind me and I can finally see what this thing can do!

450 hp. is only 1.28 hp/ci.
This is an easy one to build with a .030-.040 over 351W. block.
On the street, this is an impressive package that makes good power/torque and is easy to maintain.

P.M. me if you would like some help.