Build a motor or order a crate?

[kholding]

I know this has been hashed out more than a few times. I'm trying to decide what would be the best option as I'm looking for an engine that will stay cool in the Vegas heat (will be running AC), be comfortable to drive (I don't want a crazy high revving race motor), but also have good usable power for pushing my shoebox around. Too much to ask...?

Option #1- pull a 351W roller from the pick-a-part and build from there.

Option #2- order one of the many crate engine options. I have read a few threads on the Blueprint 306MAX. It's intriguing. Wondering if there are other similar options out there.

I am leaning toward going with Ford factory fuel injection unless there are other options out there that I should investigate further?

 

[73azbronco]

Budget? Skill? Desire? I'd say crate 351 mild torq cam, explorer serp with HD steel fan clutch, shroud for radiaor.

My spicey 347 explorer serp, heavy duty clutch with steel fan stock copper radiator with shroud for body lift, just ran around Phx freeways at 101 outside temp, cruising 65-80, no increase going to a stop at first exit. I did this for three hour break in, temp stuck at 200, right where the 195 tstat is set. Mine is a manual, no AC.

 

[kholding]

Budget = not necessarily coyote, but not afraid to spend a little where needed.
Skill = I'm adventurous. Machine shop would do all of the hard work if I pulled one.
Desire = Hmmm? That might be the hardest question. I'm not afraid to spend time where needed, but if the end result is the same as ordering a crate motor, I should look at that option.

I would like to keep the stock hood which means a 302 based stroker would be easier. But I don't want to eliminate the 351W if there are enough reasons to go that direction.

***I do have access to a clean 1995 351W donor right now. Just trying to decide if it's worth the time/effort to pull that.

 

[nvrstuk]

351W is definitely worth the effort. Torque is what moves a 4500-5,000# Bronco.

Easy to fit under the hood, just have to plan it out. Do you have any body lift yet as that makes it super easy.

I'd go crate unless you are an engine builder. Big outfits can buy parts for 1/2 what you or I can and a place like Blueprint even has an amazing warranty... this is from a guy that has built a LOT of engines over the decades... I bought my last one but I was in a huge hurry tho.

The roller block 5.8's are the best designed because the roller cam is stock BUT these blocks have an inherent cracking problem on the #2 cam shaft bearing casting. Make sure you check for a crack btw the intake valley casting and the top of the camshaft bearing casting. That area is a known problem area for those blocks. Other than that, go 351 or stroke the 351 to the extremely popular 408. You won't be anywhere close to "too much" power as there are guys here that always chime in saying they never need more than 200hp, however, if you ever want to play on soft sand or deep wet snow you will always regret not having those extra couple hundred hp WHEN needed.

Good luck, have fun with your build.

 

[Timmy390]

I really enjoyed building my own......would do it again 50 time over unless I was in a time crunch

Tim

 

[bleepjay]

FYI, just ordered a Blueprint 306MAX 2 days ago, and the delivery is estimated to be 1/5/21. Just figured you should know if you go that route. Apparently, there's a shortage of 302 blocks right now for builds.

Not trying to hijack here, but if anybody knows of a vendor that may have one in stock, please do share.

 

[Rustytruck]

whats your tire size and gearing? auto or stick. I would go down the path of option 1 with explorer front dress and cooling system. if auto then a great big tranny cooler. if tires and gearing are not proper then all bets are off especially with and automatic if you have one. I would rather have a 351 working easy than a 302 working hard.

 

[kholding]

Thanks everyone. Right now the plan is 33" tires, AX15 transmission (gearing will be figured once the drivetrain is finalized). I would like to stick with a 1" body lift if possible. I know that will be tough with a 351 using a stock hood. I'm not sure what the overall height difference between a 302 and 351 using Ford EFI intakes.

 

[nvrstuk]

No problem for clearance with a 1" body lift. A 351w truck efi intake is about 8" too high!!

 

[kholding]

My last bronco had a 351W roller with stock heads/cam and Lightning intakes. I had to use a Highlander hood and it barely squeezed under it (using 1" BL). It made good power for moving the bronco around. I assumed a spiced up 302, 327, 331 would have more torque/HP and fit under the hood a little better. A big concern is being able to keep it cool while using AC in the Vegas heat. I don't know how easy that will be with any version of a stroker motor?

 

[markatherton]

crate

I have a very good and reliable local engine builder. I always like the idea that I can consult with him and get his assistance and input if there are any issues. With a crate motor you may be limited to pulling the motor and shipping it back which is a nightmare.

 

[Rustytruck]

if you use the truck lower and mustang upper with the BC adapter and 1 inch body lift I am under the impression it squeezes under the stock hood. you can go with a 4 barrel carb manifold and a sniper or other aftermarket fuel injection forgoing the ford injection system and they get under the stock hood.

 

[kholding]

All great information. Much appreciated!

After all of the research I have done, it seems like sticking with the OEM Ford fuel injection is the way to go.

 

[kholding]

I also have an explorer motor available as a starting point.

 

[mustanggarage]

My Dad was a mechanic, and I have all the tools and skills needed to build an engine. I built the 302 in my 65 mustang, the 331 stroker in my 89 mustang, the 5.0 in my daughters 67 and the 4.0 originally in my jeep. but when I started my bronco build I was wanting a 351 based stroker engine. I knew it would take about a month at least to get the parts and have them machined. I would need a 5.8 block to start with since my bronco had a 302in it, and when I started adding up the cost, the machine shop fees etc... My Dad looked on summit, found a 408 stroker from blueprint engines for just over $5,000 about what it would cost me to build it and I got it in 3 days free shipping. it was a no brainer for me.

 

[nvrstuk]

Yup, that's what I was saying... you can buy it from a reputable company, full warranty, latest (not worn out boring, or alignment machines) for what we'd pay for the parts..

 

[cofferjl]

I would echo what others have said. Unless you are building a race engine to meet specific class rules, I would do a crate engine it will be cheaper on a power to dollar ratio than trying to build one yourself.

 

[kholding]

All great information. My next question is cam specs on the Blueprint 408. From what I understand, they usually spec them for high RPM mustang applications, not lower RPM with smooth torque curve that we need for our little broncos?

I'm not going to lie, that BluePrint 306MAX also sounds intriguing!

 

[mustanggarage]

here is the dyno sheet from my blueprint engines 408 stroker. I think it is going to suit my needs just fine. btw this is the one that they advertise as 425 hp.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I'm looking at using a Blueprint in my '62 Ranchero project. The concern I have is that Blueprint only uses stamped steel rockers. Not rollers... Not even roller tipped. What's with that??:?