Whats the strongest standard Ford Windsor block?

[smh00n]

Looking at an Improved Production motor, which stipulates max 6.0L (366) and standard, production Australian car fitted block. The model car had a Windsor in it.

Whats the best one to get, will it cope with ~550HP?

If I can't get 550 whats the best I can hope for?

Budget? Lets say $10,000. Injection, carb whatever within that amount.

Reverse angle; whats the best I can achieve with $10,000 and an Australian production block.

[Nuts]

Does it really have to be a Windsor? I don't believe they were produced here??

[boofhead]

The strongest ford windsor block in the 8.2 deck is the Mexican block though it is only slightly better than an early block. The later 5.0 blocks lost alot of strength with weight loss program they were put under. There are many people getting 550 HP with them usually using a supercharger or turbo. N/A can also get there but revs are high so more stress on the block. In all case you need to build it carefully and tune it well. Your on the limit.

Having said that with a 366 as your limit then a 351W block (early is better) is a far stronger option than the 289/302 block and will be fine through to 700 HP. Again forced induction is the best option or making them bigger makes the goal easier to get with less stress on the engine.

Choose then we can talk about how and under what budget.

[smh00n]

Good point.

This is a late model car EB onwards and therefore a Windsor.

Possibly should read Australian built car, not lump

[boofhead]

Nuts is right true au production V8 blocks were only Clevelands from around 1972. I assume came in production cars.

So if it needs to be cast here in OZ then a Cleveland 351 is your choice.

[smh00n]

Must be natural aspiration, no forced induction. 351 Windsor block is a go as another car runs one I just read.

[Nuts]

Anyone know if the later 351 roller engines were used here in F150's/F250 pre 98?

[Shaunp]

351 windsors were used up to Xw, and were also used in F series trucks in the 80's-90'sback in that 80's when I was working in Rocky for Telstra we have a 150 which has 351W and manual box. think you get them in Bronco's as well.

[smh00n]

351 Windsor is the go. F truck might make the rules as they were mass produced (200+ needed to be made). At any rate, can an early block be changed to roller cam? If it's solid and that helps reliability and power then so be it

[boofhead]

Ok so assuming a 8.2 deck setup aka 289/302.

A 347 = 4.03 bore + 3.4 inch crank. Push to a 4.04 bore you have 348 so our goal is 366 - so more crank.

Eagle have a 3.47 crank so with a 4.03 bore = 354 (and 4.04 = 356).

Ok want more Lunati sell a 3.5 crank so with a 4.03 bore = 357 (and 4.04 = 359).

This is the most you can get in a stock block unless you go 60 over and I would not do it.

It get expensive to get these special cranks and often need modified pistons or custom rods. It can be done but may better staying 347 and spending money on better heads,

[boofhead]

I have a roller cam in my 68 8.2 deck block in my 65 mustang - no problem. You use linked bar lifters - which I would also use in a roller block any way as your chasing good power from this engine.

[boofhead]

Have a read of my article. Especially the camshafts section. Find it in the tech area.

[smh00n]

I'd go 9.5" for the extra gorilla. What gets a 9.5 close to 366 or is that logistically not going to happen

[boofhead]

351W - offset crank to 3.6 plus 20 thou over is a 365. This is old school. You would be looking at dodge 360 rods and various mods to make it work but it can be done. Cost - no idea need to ring a machine shop or two.

[smh00n]

ok, 351 it stays.

Thanks folks, Looks like I have a 347 kit for sale along with a car.