302 or 351

[Epixstar]

im trying to decide what king of small block to build for my 89 ranger should i go with the 302 or 351. Im thinking i will go with just a carb setup unless the fuel injection just that much better? There is a 351 for sale out of a 75 ford van for sale cheap i could just rebuild it whould it be worth it? Im not looking for crazy power just the stock 140 aint doing it for me.

 

[847b]

You can't really go wrong with either one. Depends on what you are looking for. If you plan doing a lot of towing or hauling then the larger cubic inch of the 351 may be preferred. If you are looking for a power cruiser with fuel mileage being a concern then probably the 302. If you will run a lot of power accessories (AC, steering, etc) then the shorter deck height of the 302 would make installation easier. If you want an easier exhaust installation, then the 302. If down the road you might consider really building up a small block, the 351W blocks can generally tolerate up to 700 hp compared to 550 hp for the 302 blocks. If cost is the driving force, probably which ever one you find a better deal on. Decisions, decisions.

Do keep in mind quite a few of the older Ford V8s (i.e. 70s) had some pretty low power ratings so don't be surprised if a cam and intake are needed to wake them up.

As for fi or carb, I personally say carb because it is so much simpler and a well tuned carb runs nearly as crisp as fi. Again though, if fuel economy is of concern fuel injection offers much better metering of fuel at part throttle conditions. If you will be doing a lot of driving be careful not to over carb. A 600 cfm for a 302 and 650 cfm for a 351 (maximum). If racing, a different story. If fi, a late model 302 would probably be the least expensive choice.

 

[Mac]

You can't really go wrong with either one. Depends on what you are looking for. If you plan doing a lot of towing or hauling then the larger cubic inch of the 351 may be preferred. If you are looking for a power cruiser with fuel mileage being a concern then probably the 302. If you will run a lot of power accessories (AC, steering, etc) then the shorter deck height of the 302 would make installation easier. If you want an easier exhaust installation, then the 302. If down the road you might consider really building up a small block, the 351W blocks can generally tolerate up to 700 hp compared to 550 hp for the 302 blocks. If cost is the driving force, probably which ever one you find a better deal on. Decisions, decisions.

Do keep in mind quite a few of the older Ford V8s (i.e. 70s) had some pretty low power ratings so don't be surprised if a cam and intake are needed to wake them up.

As for fi or carb, I personally say carb because it is so much simpler and a well tuned carb runs nearly as crisp as fi. Again though, if fuel economy is of concern fuel injection offers much better metering of fuel at part throttle conditions. If you will be doing a lot of driving be careful not to over carb. A 600 cfm for a 302 and 650 cfm for a 351 (maximum). If racing, a different story. If fi, a late model 302 would probably be the least expensive choice.

Now this is a good un-biased bit of information. Lots of pros & cons with the engine size and type on induction. Everyones idea of how much power is enough is different. Some have a lot larger buget than others.
Dave

 

[Spowerback]

302cid 1970 a 1979

 

[stackz]

Im thinking i will go with just a carb setup unless the fuel injection just that much better?

there's a reason manufacturers went to fuel injection and its not just for emissions purposes....

 

[Teddyzee]

FWIW, if you're looking at a more modern engine (say, '80 or newer) and don't plan any immediate H/C/I upgrades, the 302 HO has more power than any 351.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

FWIW, if you're looking at a more modern engine (say, '80 or newer) and don't plan any immediate H/C/I upgrades, the 302 HO has more power than any 351.

Not this one....

[/IMG]

 

[Teddyzee]

Don't know what that is, but I supose I should have said "Except the '93-'95 Lightning 351". It had around 240hp/340ft/lb.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Just messing with ya teddy!
351W.60 over.260-270 cam,worked E7 heads.and a few other goody's.
The blue bottle will be on its way soon,just a small shot.

Hi-PO parts for the 302=easy to come buy and cheaper than the 351,although they share quite a few of the same.

I have a 302 in my 85 4X4,and the 351 in my full size 81.
I like the 351 better!

Again,no offense to teddy.....he has a damn fine truck and he knows his stuff!

 

[Epixstar]

its sucks around six months ago i had a chance to buy a lightning motor trans and computer for 1000 bones but i did not have the money. It only had 80,000 miles and was stolen and the only thing hurt on the truck was it was rear ended and need a new bed.

 

[Teddyzee]

Just messing with ya teddy!

Nah, we're good!

Just wanted to mention that in case anyone feels bad about doing a 302 vs. a 351. If you're doing a mild build, you're better off (in my opinion) with an HO 302. The 351's had really low horsepower in the past 30 years..maybe 40, depending on how it's measured. (150-ish horsepower)

If you're doing pistons/heads, etc, more cubes the better, of course.

 

[baddad457]

FWIW, if you're looking at a more modern engine (say, '80 or newer) and don't plan any immediate H/C/I upgrades, the 302 HO has more power than any 351.

Comparing HP ratings, yea. On the numbers for torque, no.

 

[Ozwynn]

Comparing HP ratings, yea. On the numbers for torque, no.

yep, the 351 is a whole 'nuther world.....

351 will get you more power per dollar spent...... can we say 408 stroker?

 

[Epixstar]

Im looking to have 250 to 300 ponies under the hood ill look into just getting a 302 and do a mild build on it my budget is very small. Thanks for all your help. Should i get a bore and stroker kit and just build it from there?

 

[jimmy3970]

Do A 302 & put a heavy tranny in it like i did. I put a c-6 tranny cuz they are a heavy duty tranny. C-4 & C-5's are not so heavy tranny & have lot of problems with the 302's.
Keep that in mind check with friends & auto people in your area. You can check out my 85 ford ranger with a carb 302 in it at my profile or go to the section where you can view street rangers & click on j & then click on jimmy3970.