351w vs 302?

[92ranger18]

I have a 351w and 302 that both run and was wondering with would be better to put in my ranger with a 5 speed transmission. In the mean time i will save up and build a stroker out of the other motor. What do you guys think?

 

[adsm08]

302 fits better. I would use it as the one you are going to leave in it for good.

 

[92ranger18]

I kow the 302 will fit better, and the 351 has potential to produce big cubes. And what ever i put in now will just be a street truck to terrorize the town in. And when i build the stroker it will be a strip only truck, with boxed frame and a back half with four link or ladder bars and narrowed rear end and full spec roll cage for what ever class i deside to run. I guess the real question is what to use o build the stroker with? Thanks for all the sugestions guys keep'em comin.

 

[Broncojumper87]

I say it depends on how much power you want to make. I personally wouldn't waste money on the 302 if you want to make more then 500 hp but I wouldn't waste money on a 351 unless it was an early block not that you can't make power with a later block but the ery ones are way stronger.

 

[projectnitemare]

It really does depend on the power you want to make and how much effort you want to put into it. Once you get around 500hp it will be logical to use a 351 and I will also agree the earlier blocks are better for this. As far as putting a 351 in there really isn't much difference over a 302, same mounts will work. The big difference is due to the taller deck. The valve covers get are close to the brake booster and headers are a pain and usually end up being custom.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Put the 302 in your truck and put the 351 in another truck that way when the 351 pukes you still have a dependable truck.

 

[Grunizzle]

Build the bigger motor. Seems like a no brainer to me. No replacement for displacement they always say. And then put that in the ranger.

 

[92ranger18]

This is not a daily driver truck i have another truck for that, i just did the v8 swap for the fun and experience. Ive thought about it and im gonna put the 302 in for now. And i had planned on putting a manual brake master cylinder in it to save a little room for the taller deck and headers. When i do it i also planned on cutting the firewall and moving the motor back some for better weight distribution. Would this be a good idea if so how much? And making headers is no problem ive got access to pipe bender and welder.