351w / 435 Horsepower Engine
Below is a list of frequently questions and concerns
What is the difference between the 351w / 400HP and the 351w / 435HP engine ?
There is basically three differences. The 435 Horsepower Engine has a slightly higher compression piston, a larger profile Hydraulic Roller Camshaft and the Air Gap Intake Manifold. Otherwise they are the same.
Is it really worth the extra $$ and will I feel any significant power increase over the 400HP ?
The engine does have Power Forged pistons which are a step up from the Hypereutectic Pistons for nitrous, supercharging or for more "hard driving". An improved induction Intake can help prevent vapor lock up in hotter climates too. This engine puts out approx. 30lbs more torque so you'll get planted in your seat some more. As far as answering whether it's worth paying the extra $$ it's a judgement call that perhaps one of our sales people can help you decide. Our 400HP / 351W is nothing to sneer at either, with 400lbs of torque it's a great setup for a 2000+lb. car, Delivering plenty of punch!
What about idle quality and will I have enough vacuum to run my accessories ?
Idle quality can be affected by a few things including whether you have a high Stall Speed Torque Converter attaching to your automatic Transmission or a Standard Transmission. Vacuum will be OK for running accessories like Air conditioning, Power Steering and Power Brakes. Again slighter hotter idle than our 400HP, but still considered to have good street manner.
What other engine will this engine interchange with ?
The 289 and of course another 302 will interchange with this motor for a lot of vehicles. Earlier applications like a 221 or 260 can work with some minor modifications. 4 and 6 cylinder conversions also a possibility. Speak to one of our sales / techs on this.
What octane gas does this engine require ?
All our engines will run on good quality pump gas. This engines compression is approx. 10 to 1 so it can run very comfortably within 92-94 octane range.
What is the Redline that this engine be taken up to ?
This particular engine we would suggest RPMs be kept to under 5800 RPMs.
What is the Power Range of the engine ?
2200 thru to 6200 RPMs Delivering a very broad power band!
What Manual or Automatic Transmission will work with this engine ?
Going over Manual Transmissions first. The Tremec TKO 500 or 600 series 5 speed Tranny are capable of handling torque loads up to 600lbs. Most Cobra and Mustang owners have gone this route with success. The T5z 5 speed doesn't have the torque capacity of TKO's but usually are fine for lightweight vehicles. These aren't the only choices of course, a 4 speed toploader or other brands are available. Speak with a transmission expert on this. Onto an Automatic Transmission. Some of our customers re-use or freshen up their existing transmissions. For mostly cruising around and / or laying down some rubber once in a while the factory transmission will hold up. Those of you who are doing holeshots and abusing the your car (You know who you are!) you may want to step things up. A modified C4, C6 or a modified AOD Automatic Transmission will do the trick. We probably would suggest going with a slightly higher stall speed converter but this will depend on the use of the vehicle, tire size, gearing and the weight of it.
Will it be required to change out my Rear End & What Rear end and Gearing is recommended with this engine ?
This will again depend upon your driving habits. Your existing gearing may be OK. This can always be changed out after the engine is installed. For the most part a rear end gear ratio of 3.55 up towards 4.11 would be ideal. The higher the numeric number the faster off the line power the car or truck will have when you hit the throttle, but RPM cruising speed goes up as well. So sometimes bigger is not always better. Determining the RPM range that you drive in most will help you make a more informed decision. Speak with a Rear end expert for some assistance on this matter.
Can I use my existing Exhaust manifolds? Are Headers required and what diameter should be used ?
Yes, you can bolt up your existing exhaust manifolds and in most if not all occasions that will be a direct fit. An engine performs much like an air pump the more efficient the air and fuel is delivered in and exits out the better and more responsive it will become. Headers could free up approx.15 Horses over stock Manifolds and make it "breath better". The Edelbrock Aluminum Cylinder Heads on this engine have the same factory bolt pattern to work with pretty much any standard Header. A general idea on Header sizes would fall in place of 1" 5/8 to 1" 3/4.
What size Radiator is recommended ?
Last but not least! This engine or any other engine we offer needs to run cool to expect long term results out of it. A used / older radiator that has been sitting around is not worth cleaning and reusing . A new 3 or 4 core Radiator is a cheap investment compared to an overheated $7,000.00 engine! It's worth the investment to spend a couple of hundred bucks initially to get a new radiator. Pay a little now or pay Later philosophy. There's plenty of good Radiator companies out there like Griffin and Be Cool are two worth mentioning.
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