347 Stroker or 331 Stroker??

[Lil John SVT]

Just go with a 351W.

What headers are you running? I'd love to run a 351w, but the headers are whats holding me back.

 

[baddad457]

I'm looking at doing this same thing as I have a stock 95 f150 5.0 engine from my truck. Also the efi or carb thing wasn't answered

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EFI vs carb, that's like starting an arguement on what religion is better for you. Only you can answer that question.

 

[Dan B.]

What headers are you running? I'd love to run a 351w, but the headers are whats holding me back.

Mine are Total Performance. They are "ehh", ok. Had to run a mini starter, then beat the tube in where it still touched the starter. Then the #6 cylinder is sssoooo close to the spark plug that it had to be beat in so I could just get the wire boot on.

The collectors are a slip fit design (unless that has changed, mine are about three yrs old) and the exhaust pipe has to be expanded to slide over which is fine if you want to run 3" like I did but opening a 2.5" pipe up that much and may be close. It's also a pain if you want to pull the exhaust off since it just does not unbolt like a standard collector....but with a set of collector flanges this can all be fixed...your pipes can then unbolt and going from 3" to smaller only required a reducer.

Small price to pay for STARTING your build with an extra 50 cubic inches over all the 5.0L guys! I have a short block in the garage that's going to get a 400+" stroker kit...no time soon though. Redoing my T-bird Sport Coupe than have a fox mustang project after that.

 

[1freaky1]

I did up the 331 build long before they came out with the build kits for them, its in my 57 F100 and has had no problems. It has been in there for 17 years now.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

If you build a 347 and use a main stud girdle, and use a good balancer like a fluid dampner. I doubt you will have any trouble with the block splitting. They even sell a girdle that will fit in the lifter valley with a little machine work. If somones block splits you got too much main web flex. This can happen with any stroker. It has nothing too do with it being a 302 block. A 351w is well known for oiling issues at the main bearings do to its larger diameter. Especially at higher rpms. What I would take into consideration would be ease of installation and how far my dollar will get. A 302 based stroker or a 351 based stroker will both perform well its all about the cylinder heads.

 

[Transmarobirdeater]

The debate about EFI versus Carb. Facts carbs produce slightly more HP and less torque than EFI. EFI produces more torque and slighlty less HP than carbs.Whats more efficiant depends on what type of effecient you speak of. Its more effecient for me and easier to spend 400 bucks on a good carb and have my motor running than it is to spend more money on EFI. At the same time if you had all the parts for an EFI system I would go with EFI.

 

[Ozwynn]

It has been proven to me beyond a reasonable doubt...... If you want EFI like performance from a carb then run an EFI cam. Still.would not run carb on an off road truck, not even the truck avenger carb can compete with EFI off road..... Unless it was a cng or 'pane set up.

 

[baddad457]

It has been proven to me beyond a reasonable doubt...... If you want EFI like performance from a carb then run an EFI cam.

I've found the same thing. One of the best combos I've built used the stock F4TE roller,1.7 Cobra rockers, a Ford A321 intake, topped with a Holley 570SA. Cold starts down to 20-25*F without a choke, without a pump shot from the pedal. EFI cam, smallish carb, and a hot ignition, and you'll get EFI like performance. Only place that it'll come up short is drastic altitude changes. I think it's the wider LSA that creates more vacuum at the start to let the carb's cicuits function quicker that makes the difference.

 

[projectnitemare]

If you have the 302 in hand...build it. I know a quite a 331 guys with over 400hp and all are doing just fine as well as a few 347s with over 450hp. Granted a few of the 347s have died most as result of being stupid. If you plan on making any decent power, stroker or not, something to brace the mains is a good idea although most of the block splits I have seen were in the lifter valley so I would think adding something there would be important too. I go with 351s just for the fact of more cubic inch and more power. Any of the engines are only going to run as good as the head you put on it, thats reguardless of carb or efi.

Matt

 

[UkonKornelius]

331 is the way to go for street motor. The rod ratio is about as good as it gets. 1.66 vs 1.58. Rod ratio is real close to the stock 302. Oil consumption and ring seal are improved with the 331 due to reduced side loading of the piston. All around better for the street and it doesn't give up any noticeable HP to the 347. If you want power, build a 408 stroker. I guy I know has a 3000lb Mustang with a 408, DOT tires, and a clutchless 5 speed. Tag, insurance and 2.5" exhaust out the back, pump gas and a stock type suspension are required for his class. It is his daily driver. Runs 5.80-5.90 on motor. It also has a stock block from 1969 in it.

 

[Jfive]

I think the later explorer 302s are a little stronger than the earlier ones. There is a guy that has pushed one into the 800rwhp range with success. I personally agree with going to a 351, as the stock crank can hold up to some crazy amounts of power, so rods and pistons and your set for a good bottom end. 94 to 96 roller blocks are good for a cheaper hyd roller cam setup. Make your own headers and save the headache.