351W or Crate 302?

[NCSUWoj]

The Bronco I am building currently had a 351W from a 1974 something in it. It ran ok when we got it running (had been sitting) but want to either freshen it up or go with a standard crate 302. We are planning to run the Holley Sniper kit on it and I have a 1" body lift to install from Wild Horses. We haven't picked out an intake for it yet. Anybody out there running this combination, and will the hood close with a standard air cleaner? I know things are very tight with a 351W. Just trying to figure out if I am going to have run the stock side mounted air cleaner assembly or if we can use a low profile air cleaner up top (assuming we stick with the 351W). We have a stock hood on the truck as well.
Thoughts?

 

[SteveL]

351w. There are other air cleaners that fit under a stock hood depending on what intake you run.

 

[SHX669]

I use a 1" drop base air cleaner assembly with a 2" filter - works for mine - but every EB seems to be different - LOL

 

[NCSUWoj]

351w. There are other air cleaners that fit under a stock hood depending on what intake you run.

Yeah I am leaning that way. Thanks!

I use a 1" drop base air cleaner assembly with a 2" filter - works for mine - but every EB seems to be different - LOL

Cool! I will look into that style air cleaner and see what I can come.up with.

 

[pcf_mark]

Always build the biggest engine you can within practical limits. Bigger engines work less to make the power you need and last longer. Plus you can make more power and everyone wants more torque!

 

[Broncobowsher]

351W would be my choice. Never met anyone who put a 351 in a Bronco and thought that maybe they should have put a smaller engine in. And since it is already there and you have all the parts dialed in for it to fit, even better

The 351 has been known to fit under a stock hood without a body lift. Sometimes takes a bit of parts searching to get it all together. With a 1" body lift, even better. Still need to get the low profile parts, but have a little more flexibility.

 

[redfishtony]

351 for sure. Why pass up on the torque and HP. Mine fits perfect with no modifications to the hood or body.

 

[bronconut73]

351W or 302 crate?

Blueprint 351/408W crate.

If I could do it all over again that is what I would do.

Mmmm...torque,
its what's for dinner.

 

[EricLar80]

Another vote for 351w. You pretty much get the same MPG, but it drives much better.

 

[NCSUWoj]

Looks like rebuilding the 351 it is! Just finished pulling all the accessories and intake off of it. Going to drop it off at the machine shop tomorrow. Pretty clean looking inside from what I see. Block numbers show if was from a 1974 Ford Galaxie.
Thanks for all the input folks!

 

[EastcoastMike]

What intake manifolds are you guys running that the 351 fits under stock hood? Mine barely fits under a cowl hood.

 

[EPB72]

What intake manifolds are you guys running that the 351 fits under stock hood? Mine barely fits under a cowl hood.

Mine fit 69 351 under stock hood stock body mounts{sagged} with a performer intake ,carter carb{which had zero problems multible times through the rubicon and Fordyce } with a low profile 13 inch 2inch tall air cleaner ,but have manuel trans so no kickdown linkage to get in the way,,

 

[Jfryjfry]

Well, I’ll be the dissenter and offer that id probably lean towards a 302 but a big part of that is that I don’t need all the torques. Ours is more of an around-towner and better gas mileage is much more appealing. A 302 can still make pleeeenty of power, plus the shorter height and narrower profile alleviates all kinds of possible issues.

Finally, if you’re looking at a quality 302 crate motor with a warranty that comes ready to drop in, that is another plus.

 

[Broncobowsher]

for those of us who have done a 351, we can tell you that the fuel economy really won't change any over a 302. Sometimes it gets better, generally it is the same.

 

[techlaf]

Depends on your Bronco. 351 is a lot easier with body lift inches and/or raised hood. 302 is the path of least resistance as it fits easier if you have a relatively stock bronco.

Lots of crate motors are for the muscle car crowd with power at high rpms. That is not the cam you want in a Bronco, at least I don't.

 

[Remos69]

Had a stock 302 with a stock carb, stock tires, stock 4.11, it sucked gas. Replaced it with a 351 crate, fuel injected, 32 in tires and kept the 4.11. still sucked gas.....same amount, but it now has torque and a really nice growl!

 

[Jfryjfry]

I have a 351 and like the looks better (the 289/302 just looks smaller) and making it fit wasn’t too bad as we have a body lift.

But all things being equal (and that’s key), you would get better gas mileage with the 302. Might not be much but it’s about 15% larger. Plus, a fresh 351 would probably get better than a rough 302.

But if it’s mileage you’re after, I’d just do a 289. Which is what I was looking for when I decided to just rebuild our 351.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

If you have a solid motor already save the money and just build it up. The original 351s are dogs really. They were not originally but if you have one close to original it now is a dog. A modern 302 crate will be better. However, you can save cash and make the one you have run well and not be anemic. That would be my suggestion. Original 351 all sound and not enough fury. A moderately modernized one is a pretty nice engine. I have a blueprint 347, which is sweet. But I had an empty engine bay to start with.

 

[Glass Pony]

If you are going to build up a motor The 351w has bigger bearings and bigger hardware holding it together.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

The bearings comment is true but wasn’t a major point of failure. I think it is more of an observation than an actual benefit statistically. Biggest reason to use a 351 is he has one or wants more power than a 302. 302 fits better, weights less and is a little less prone to overheating in a Bronco. Both pretty nice engines and make good power once modernized.