Sources for new 'built' 351W engines?

[Brian Baskin]

OK, planning for my rebuild, I've come to a major decision. With this many miles (and probably be at 200,000 by time I have the rebuild done), I'm looking at having everything replaced, bottom end and all. With all the labor for taking everything apart, and putting it together, turning the crank, new cam grind, new assembly, I'm looking at at least $3000-3500.

So, I started the hunt for maybe a lower-mile engine to just swap in. But, now I'm finding many shops that sell complete longblocks, for the same price as a complete rebuild, and have all the parts that I want. I won't be doing any of the labor myself, everything will be paid for, so this seems the most cost-effective, as far as most performance, and least downtime. For example, Drugar posted this one:
http://www.ford-power.com/365-351W.htm
365HP (probably a little less if I make sure it's smog legal), for $2799 (with my block return). Then, hopefully with all the labor added into it for the swap, I'll break less than $3500.

My question, do you guys know of other good, reliable sources for a complete longblock, that won't break my budget, and produce more performance gains?

 

[kckid]

Excessive Motorsports has a complete 351 efi lightning motor for $3300. Just saw it in there add in MM@FF thought it may help.

 

[GJLS]

Excessive Motorsports has a complete 351 efi lightning motor for $3300. Just saw it in there add in MM@FF thought it may help.

Don't buy anything form Excessive Motorsports they have been ripping people off ! so unless you want to be there next victim I'd stay away from them



Jerry

 

[Red 93 L1 #3383]

I'd plan a few more dollars for the install. By the time you get the new water pump, hoses, motor mounts(if bad), plugs, wires, cap & rotor, belt, oil & filter, coolant R&R labor... I agree its cheaper to get a long block when you have to pay for labor to build the motor. Also buy all the parts and bring them with you (most of the time you can get the parts @ cost & most shops charge list price), but be sure to get the right parts or the shop will be mad at you. Just my thought. $700 just dosen't sound like enough for labor and parts, I'd say $1200 would be a better guess.

 

[svthauln]

I have ordered several engines from Kieth Craft in Arks.They do quality work and there first questions is how much do you want to spend.

 

[Drugar]

I have ordered several engines from Kieth Craft in Arks.They do quality work and there first questions is how much do you want to spend.

Do they have a website? Phone #? From the little researching I have done, I have to agree with Brian. Just to get my 302 rebuilt to stock is about $2500. Heck, for a grand more, I can get the brand new 351W motor that I listed in my other post and have alot more fun with it. All I would need to do is find a used L EFI system and install it with some minor mods..for about $5k, I would have a damn good motor.

Drugar

 

[93 Red L]

with $5k you could do just about anything you want. Could find a 351 block for 1-200, forged stroker kit 14-1500, afr 185's 12-1300, custom cam 200, small stuff you can't use off the 302 $500, assembly $500-1k. That would make a beast...:tu:

 

[lightninggreg]

If you are going with a complete motor, why not go with at least a 392 or 408? You should be able to do this for about the same money. I know Keith Craft and think he is very honest. I live in Hot Springs, about 25 miles north of him. Send them an email at keithcraft.com and check them out. As a matter of fact tell them a local by the name of Greg Huegel told you to check with them. You may get a new engine and "pinned in the seat" for the same price!

 

[Brian Baskin]

I had wanted to keep it to a plain 351W. But, I guess if the crank etc would have to be replaced, why not get a stroker kit. All very good food for thought. The idea was driven back home yesterday that this is a Lightning. A limited edition vehicle, I have one of the ones from the first year of production. If I look to 15 years in the future, I would probably be kicking myself for tearing the old engine out and putting a new one in, instead of keeping a numbers matching part.

I'm still debating it all in my head, but this is a very good thread for others to reference (and for the search engine )

 

[Drugar]

Thanks lightninggreg. I fired off a email just now asking what he can do for $5k. I hope to hear something back from him soon.


Drugar