Engine options 347 or 351?

[GT/CS68]

Hi all,

I'm new here,so excuse me if this has already been posted.
I've got a 68 California special and am considering resting the 289 and replacing it with something a little more powerful.

I'm after a streetable/driveable engine without wanting to break the bank if not necessary for my needs.

From those with more experience, is a 351w a good upgrade choice over the 347 stroker? Any other input would be appreciated.

[ND69]

Hi, I've always liked the CS,

331,347, lighter, which is better for your front end, and car balance

[GT/CS68]

What do you think of crate engines? Or can anyone in the forum recommend an engine builder whose credible ?

Hi, I've always liked the CS,

331,347, lighter, which is better for your front end, and car balance

[Dwayne]

Fataz Competition Engines are regularly recommended on here, particularly by people who know what they're talking about.

Crate engines are pretty hit and miss by the sounds of it. Sometimes you get lucky and get a good one.

[shaunp]

What do you think of crate engines? Or can anyone in the forum recommend an engine builder whose credible ?

So 347 is great combo, particularly if your early block is ok as they are stronger then the later 302 block, a good 347 will make mid 400hp and be perfectly street-able. The rotating assemble is lighter then a 351 and the mains bearings are smaller so less heat and friction than a 351. 351 is bigger heavier and stronger but I wouldn't consider one unless going to a 408 stroker. You could make a 347 look almost stock in the bay. Talk to Ian Woodward at Fataz racing in Brisbane tell him Shaun sent you. Or if you want talk about what to build I'm happy talk about options. Boofhead on this forum has 347 kit for sale as it happens.

below is my 347, which is likely more than you need, you could get away with cheaper heads depending on the HP you want

[GLENN 70]

The 347 is a good option and is a good choice for your mustang . Your model mustang only comes with the small Windsor so you could make it look std looking if that's what your after or look like a hi performance engine also . My 66 has a 347 that to the untrained eye looks stock except the dizzy and extractors ,and that's the way I want it .. It depends on the HP you want also ? A nice 347 could be 400 to 470 HP but if you go a 351 stroker to a 408 your looking at 450HP to 550 HP  .  Either way your auto trans will need an upgrade and the diff centre and exhaust system . It s  a catch 22 when getting more HP ,it doesn't stop at the engine . Your old 289 might have around 200 HP so you might be happy with 350 ish HP 

[boofhead]

Unless your after more than 500hp the 347 is the best engine. Otherwise a 351 stoked to 408 is the go. I would personably never build a plain 351w performance engine as a 347 will be better in all areas.

I do have a 347 kit plus cam plus heads I was going to build for my mustang but change of circumstances so willing to sell it off. PM if serious.

[GT/CS68]

So 347 is great combo, particularly if your early block is ok as they are stronger then the later 302 block, a good 347 will make mid 400hp and be perfectly street-able. The rotating assemble is lighter then a 351 and the mains bearings are smaller so less heat and friction than a 351. 351 is bigger heavier and stronger but I wouldn't consider one unless going to a 408 stroker. You could make a 347 look almost stock in the bay. Talk to Ian Woodward at Fataz racing in Brisbane tell him Shaun sent you. Or if you want talk about what to build I'm happy talk about options. Boofhead on this forum has 347 kit for sale as it happens.

below is my 347, which is likely more than you need, you could get away with cheaper heads depending on the HP you want

Sounds good,thanks for the info...I didn't know about the block strength. Has boofhead got the kit advertised on another forum? Sorry I'm new to the whole forum thing,so need a bit of direction.
Fataz seems to be the common recommendation,so I'll go with them by the sounds of it

[GT/CS68]

Unless your after more than 500hp the 347 is the best engine. Otherwise a 351 stoked to 408 is the go. I would personably never build a plain 351w performance engine as a 347 will be better in all areas.

I do have a 347 kit plus cam plus heads I was going to build for my mustang but change of circumstances so willing to sell it off. PM if serious.

Sorry boofhead,only just read this after I sent.

[boofhead]

I have not officially advertised it at all. Just mentioned it - Shaunp and I have build engines and played with cars together.  We are friends.

[shaunp]

Sounds good,thanks for the info...I didn't know about the block strength. Has boofhead got the kit advertised on another forum? Sorry I'm new to the whole forum thing,so need a bit of direction.
Fataz seems to be the common recommendation,so I'll go with them by the sounds of it

Yep Talk to Woody I know him well, they build not only street engines but much of the business is propper race engines.

[GT/CS68]

So if I use my standard block,no need to change headers ? Will the 4 speed need anything more than a stronger clutch?

[GLENN 70]

Header change ,depends on what you have .  If your going to build a 347 that's great but what HP are you chasing ? Mild to wild ?  You did say just some more HP . Your top loader will be fine but yes the clutch might be a problem . With a good HP increase you will spin one wheel unless you fit a true trac diff .  My 347 is around 430 HP at best and that's plenty on the street .

[shaunp]

What headers do you have now is the question. You would balance it with a new clutch anyway

[GT/CS68]

Header change ,depends on what you have .  If your going to build a 347 that's great but what HP are you chasing ? Mild to wild ?  You did say just some more HP . Your top loader will be fine but yes the clutch might be a problem . With a good HP increase you will spin one wheel unless you fit a true trac diff .  My 347 is around 430 HP at best and that's plenty on the street .

I'd be going for a mild setup, not chasing crazy hp

[GT/CS68]

What headers do you have now is the question. You would balance it with a new clutch anyway

Not sure,I'll take a look

[shaunp]

I'd be going for a mild setup, not chasing crazy hp

mild 347 is twice what you have now.

[GT/CS68]

Exactly shaunp, and it gives me a decent base to improve on

[shaunp]

Exactly shaunp, and it gives me a decent base to improve on

You'll be surprised how quick they are, with the right diff an average 347 is a 12 sec 1/4 car, a better one is and 11 sec car, so you can scare Clubsports with them pretty easy.

[GLENN 70]

Your car being a manual ( factory) your diff ratio might be ok . Might be a 3.00 :1 ratio or even a 3.25 type ratio .   Do you know what it is ? . Going from around 200 HP to around 400 HP will put a smile on your dial  .

[GT/CS68]

Your car being a manual ( factory) your diff ratio might be ok . Might be a 3.00 :1 ratio or even a 3.25 type ratio .   Do you know what it is ? . Going from around 200 HP to around 400 HP will put a smile on your dial  .

It was actually an auto converted to 4 speed top loader with a 9" diff,
Only got the car delivered last week so will have to check out the ratio

[GLENN 70]

Ok you need to check that out because that is a huge factor . What part of the coast you in ?

[GT/CS68]

Broadbeach waters, I've got the car at my mechanics at the moment as I'm overseas...still havent even sat in it...can't wait to get back

[Pinto Pete]

  Your model mustang only comes with the small Windsor so you could make it look std looking if that's what your after or look like a hi performance engine   

The only engine that wasn't on the books was the 427...

[GLENN 70]

Pinto Pete really ,I didn't know the CS had so many engine options . I thought they were all small blocks . I must admit I don't know a lot about the California Special mustangs .