351 block

[Crone]

I know this question is over asked but it's difficult to search for the answers I need. I've been trying to look around for a 351 block to build up. And a junk yard block is seeming to be my best bet. So I know I'm looking for a 351 windsor, but It needs to be a roller block or something like that? What other kinds are there? And would I be able to get one out of an old f250 or something? What years would I be looking for? It's going to be completely stripped down so I'm not worried about what will swap over easiest, if that matters. I don't mean to sound like such an idiot but you gotta learn somehow lol :dontknow:

 

[LAFENATU]

You don't need a roller. A Flat 351 will work just as good.

The 1st gen lightning motor was a flat 351.

If you want a roller 351 I believe you have to look for a 94+ Econoline 351....don't quote me on that.

 

[Crone]

What is the difference between a flat and a roller? Is one better then the other...or cheaper!? Is that the cam type by any chance?

 

[5.0kid]

yes, that is the cam type. One motor has a hydraulic roller type camshaft, which is what our 5.0s come with. The other has a flat roller cam, which is an older design, but is usually able to take more of a beating and is many times cheaper. With the flat cam, I think you may have to go with some different valve springs than what usually come on aftermarket heads (unless you buy knew and order with that type).

either will work...

 

[LAFENATU]

The roller can run a much more radical ramp on the opening and closing side of the cam.

 

[Crone]

Thanks guy's!! There's so many differences with how long this design has been around it gets confusing lol

 

[Paul]

If I did it all over again with my Windsor swap, I would've gotten a roller block.

 

[Win]

If I did it all over again with my Windsor swap, I would've gotten a roller block.

Does it make finding parts that much easier ??

 

[LAFENATU]

If I did it all over again with my Windsor swap, I would've gotten a roller block.

That's a great reason.

Lack of information, this post has it.

lol...why Paul

btw: just bs with the smart alec comment.

 

[Paul]

Just because you don't have to deal with reduced base circle cams or expensive retro-fit lifters.

 

[Crone]

Is there an easy way to tell the difference between the block type?

 

[Paul]

Casting numbers tell the tale.

 

[project94]

doesnt the bronco have the 351w option? i know that when i was looking for parts for mine they asked me 302 or 351.

 

[Crone]

Does the roller blocks end in a certain code or symbol? something that would be easy to identify while I'm out there? Thanks for the great info guys!

 

[Paul]

"F" is the letter for the 90's decade. So a 94 block would have "F4" in it.

 

[Crone]

Thank you paul, You sir are a good man :notworthy:

 

[2slo95fiveoh]

Wikipedia says: "Generally the 1969 to 1974 blocks are considered to be far superior in strength than the later blocks making these early units some of the strongest and most desirable", but they didn't specify about when the roller 351W came about.. a couple threads i glanced
over said "1994 was the first Roller 351W engine), but i have yet to see actual documentation about it.

 

[Paul]

The earlier blocks are stronger, but it's not real likely that most folks are going to split a Windsor anyway - which is why I say I'd do a roller block if I did it all over again.

 

[Magic]

The earlier blocks are stronger, but it's not real likely that most folks are going to split a Windsor anyway - which is why I say I'd do a roller block if I did it all over again.

And save a boat load of money from using those super expensive link-bar hydraulic roller lifters, IE. Crane, for hyd. roller cam setup.

 

[Paul]

You can use OEM 5.0 lifters. I did. I just drilled/tapped the valley and installed the 5.0 spider retainer thingy.