Stroking A 351W: How Much Power Can You Handle?

The 351W is a Windsor engine produced by Ford. It is a popular choice for car enthusiasts who want to increase their engine's cubic inches and power output. The 351W can be stroked to a variety of sizes, with the most common options being 393, 408, and 427 cubic inches. The maximum size that can be achieved with a stock block is debated, with some saying 4.00 inches and others claiming up to 4.25 inches is possible.

Stroking a 351W requires careful consideration of components such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and cylinder heads. Aftermarket blocks and stroker kits are available for those seeking higher power outputs.

The right combination of stroke and bore depends on the intended use of the engine. Longer strokes generally provide more torque and are suitable for street engines, while shorter strokes allow for higher RPMs and are often used in racing applications with power adders.

When increasing the stroke of a 351W, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient clearance between the rotating assembly and other engine components. Balancing the rotating assembly is also critical for optimum performance and stability at higher RPMs.

While stroking a 351W can significantly increase power output, there are limitations to the stock block's strength, and some recommend upgrading to an aftermarket block for higher horsepower builds.

A 351W can be stroked to 4.15

Another way to achieve a 4.15" stroke on a 351W is to source the individual components separately. This allows for more customization but requires careful measurement and calculation to ensure that all the parts will fit and function correctly. When piecing together a 4.15" stroker combo, it is important to consider factors such as rod length, piston compression height, and deck clearance.

It is worth noting that stroking a 351W to 4.15" will typically require some clearancing work to ensure adequate piston-to-crankshaft counterweight clearance, connecting rod-to-camshaft clearance, and connecting rod-to-oil pan rail clearance. Additionally, when building a stroker engine, it is crucial to use strong and durable rotating parts to handle the increased power and stress. Forged steel crankshafts, H-beam connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons are recommended for high-performance and high-RPM applications.

When increasing the stroke of a 351W, it is important to also upgrade the cylinder heads, camshaft, and intake system to match the new displacement. This ensures that the engine can rev and breathe effectively to take full advantage of the additional cubic inches.

Finally, proper balancing of the stroker assembly and attention to critical clearances, such as piston-to-crankshaft and connecting rod-to-cylinder bottom clearance, are crucial for optimal performance and longevity.

A stroker kit can save you time and headache

Stroker kits are a great way to increase the power output of your engine. They do this by increasing the stroke of the piston, which in turn increases the engine's displacement and allows for more air and fuel to be forced into the cylinder. This results in more torque delivered to the transmission and the vehicle's wheels.

There are a few reasons why a stroker kit can save you time and headache. Firstly, they are a relatively straightforward way to increase engine power without having to modify the external appearance of your vehicle. This means you can get more power without having to change the look of your car.

Secondly, stroker kits are available as pre-machined, ready-to-assemble kits, which makes them convenient and cost-effective. In some cases, all you need to do is prep the block, which can be done through your local machine shop. This saves you the time and hassle of sourcing and machining individual parts yourself.

Additionally, stroker kits can provide a significant increase in power without requiring a lot of additional modifications. While some upgrades to the crankshaft and other components may be necessary to handle the increased torque, the kit itself includes most of what you need to get more power from your engine.

Finally, stroker kits are particularly effective for naturally aspirated engines, where extra capacity is one of the most reliable ways to increase power. If you're looking to boost the performance of your naturally aspirated engine, a stroker kit can be a great option that saves you the time and hassle of exploring other, more complex modifications.

In conclusion, a stroker kit can be a straightforward and effective way to increase the power of your engine. By providing a simple, cost-effective solution that doesn't require extensive modifications, stroker kits can save you time, money, and headaches while delivering the power gains you desire.

A 408 stroker is a popular option

The 408 stroker is a popular option for those looking to increase the displacement of their 351W engine. By increasing the bore and stroke of the engine, the 408 stroker offers a significant boost in power, throttle response, acceleration, and overall performance.

The popularity of the 408 stroker can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it offers a good balance between cost and performance. The 408 stroker can be built using a combination of aftermarket and factory parts, making it a relatively affordable option for those on a budget.

Secondly, the 408 stroker has a strong and durable construction. The use of a forged crankshaft and connecting rods, along with high-quality fasteners, ensures that the engine can handle high horsepower applications without sacrificing reliability.

Additionally, the 408 stroker is known for its excellent performance on the street. The increased displacement provides a noticeable improvement in low-end torque, making the vehicle more responsive and enjoyable to drive. The camshaft and valvetrain components can also be selected to optimize street performance, ensuring that the engine has a broad powerband and remains easy to live with on the street.

Furthermore, the 408 stroker has a large aftermarket community, which means that there is a wide range of parts and kits available to facilitate the build process. This also means that there is a wealth of knowledge and support available online from other enthusiasts who have undertaken similar projects.

Overall, the 408 stroker is a popular option for those looking to increase the performance of their 351W engine without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of power, reliability, and street manners, making it an excellent choice for both daily drivers and weekend cruisers.

A 393 stroker can be created with a 3.85 stroke crank

The 393 stroker can be achieved with a cast crank, which is a more affordable option, or a forged crank, which is stronger and more durable. The cast crank option has been known to hold up to 8200 rpm on a tacky track for an entire season without any issues. However, it is recommended to not take it past 7500 rpm. Forged cranks are more expensive but will provide greater strength and durability.

When building a 393 stroker, it is important to consider the pistons, rods, and crankshaft combination. Using 351W rods and 302 pistons with a 3.85" stroke crank will create the desired displacement while also ensuring proper piston clearance. Additionally, it is recommended to upgrade to bigger heads to take full advantage of the increased displacement.

The 393 stroker is a popular option for those seeking more power without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance between cost and performance, making it a favourite among enthusiasts.

A 427 stroker may be too much for the block to handle

The 427 stroker can be achieved by using a Dart block with a 4.125 bore and installing a 4-inch stroke crank. This will result in a bulletproof 427. However, this combination may not be cost-effective as it requires custom pistons and other components.

The 427 stroker can also be achieved by boring and stroking a 351W engine. This method may be risky as it can result in paper-thin cylinder walls. It is important to start with a good sonic-checked and well-machined block to ensure reliability. Additionally, longer strokes may require clearance of the cylinder skirts on the block to prevent components from hitting each other.

The cost of building a 427 stroker can vary depending on the chosen block, bore, and stroke combination. A cost-effective alternative to the 427 stroker is the 408 stroker, which can be achieved with a shorter rod length and provides higher peak horsepower.

In conclusion, while it is possible to build a 427 stroker, it may not be the best option due to the potential reliability issues and cost. The 408 stroker is a more popular and reliable choice for those seeking high performance and durability.

Frequently asked questions