How to identify a 351

[JumboFriendly]

I might be looking around in yards soon for a 351w to put in the '84. Are there any specific casting numbers, or identifying marks that I should look for?

Also, any vehicle types or year ranges to keep an eye out for?

[Grand Marquis GT]

the valve covers are just like a 302.

Its very similar looknig to a 302, actually. Just look at the thermostat housing. If you can easily get to teh bottom bolt (unlike a 302) meansing its a little higher up away from the timing cover, bingo its a 351W...

[gadget73]

trucks are more likely to have a 351. check the emissions labels under the hood, it should tell you what engine it has.

[NATEHAWK]

look for bronco, f-150, old police crown vic.....thats the best i can tell yea

[DuceAnAHalf]

also check the timing cover compared to the heads. a 302 head sits almost right on the timing cover, a 351 has about 1 3/8" of space between the timing cover and the head gasket. You can make out where the deck of the head is here. a 302s head deck is almost touching the timing cover.



If it is a Crown Vic, look at the drivers side accesories. The lower alternator bolt on a 302 uses a nut on the back, a 351 bolts directly into the head. This is my 351, a 302s bolts will look slightly different.



You could also take a tape measure since the intakes on the 351 are wider than a 302. a 351 intake is 9.25" across between the front two bolts.

If you can try to find a 69-74 casting. They are the strongest, even my late 351 will normally hold nearly 700hp, an early will hold even more.

[phayzer5]

A 302 assembled motor for comparison

[JumboFriendly]

Thanks mangs!

[Lincolnmania]

hey those valve covers look familiar lol