351C heads on a 351W for race ???? maybe kinda... or bad idea

So im looking to build a track engine on the cheap... Yes arent we all.  I have decided to run with a 351w since they are pretty easy to find and should be able to hold the power im looking for.  500hp

My issue is that I have read so many conflicting reports about heads, rotating assembly etc etc.

I would prefer to use stock rods etc with upgraded bolts... Is this even safe for 500hp?

Any thoughts on stroking the engine without going aftermarket.  What components would allow me to do so and be safe at the 500hp mark?

I most likely cant afford aftermarket heads so was seriously considering the clevelands.  Unsure weather the 2V or 4V would be better.  I hear so much about the 4V only being good after the 7k rpm mark?????

Any thoughts on a good combo to achieve such?  Im not worried about it being streetable so high compression high rev is fine.. As long as the parts will be reasonable reliable.

thanks  

well... before we dive into this.. are 351C heads allowed in your class of racing. or are you doing things like bracket racing...

let me describe some of the differences..  

351W     has coolant flow thru the intake manifold to the thermostat housing on the vertical face of the intake manifold..

351C has the coolant flow only in the block where the thermostat housing is mounted directly above the timing cover on the horizontal area..

there are several articles in the many magazines on this site.. about installing 351C heads on windsor motors..   if you want to go farther..

there are also a bunch of articles on building the 351W... on building the 351C and also on the 351M/400M which uses the same bellhousing as the 429 and 460 motors..  instead of the small block 6 bolt pattern the 351W and 351C both use..

i seem to recall that the C9 and D0 351W 4V heads were the way to create power with OEM heads..

this also depends on which model car you have.. there are some that it gets really crowded with anything wider than a 351W..  

here is a cleveland heads on a windsor article... there are a bunch more if you search with the correct terms

http://www.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/engine/30220_clevor_engine/viewall.html

if you have more.. ask...  

Hey everyone thanks for the responses.   I guess I should give some additional info.

This will be a 96 ranger track car.  No restrictions just something to play around bracket racing with.

I would like to hit the 500hp mark so to do this on the cheap I thought about using the 4v cleveland heads.  I also have a friend with a set of worked over gt40 heads I could pick up cheap. They have port work along with larger valves. Hes getting me flow numbers so I can make a decision. With this limited info any thoughts on what direction to go.  My first thoughts are that the clevelands will probably still outperform the gt40s but thats just a guess.  

Also curious what you all think stock internals are capable of handling. I would like to use a stock crank and rods with upgraded bolts and replace pistons with forged.  I dont plan on using any power adders.  Just a higher compression engine.  

any thoughts  

are you aware that stock 5.0HO motors came with Forged pistons...  


the 5.0EFI motors came with cast pistons..


there are so many ways to go...

there are 4 ford and mustang specific magazines here with various builds..
there is also hotrod.. car craft   popular hot rodding... also with small block ford builds of all kinds.. there are also some small block ford builds over in circletrack...

if you go to cleveland heads. you will need different pistons..  reducing your budget build idea..  

here is some reading for you...


http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/sch/02/351w/articles/?searchSource=Group

there are many articles... i did not go thru them... read and learn..  

I wouldn't spin the internals pased 6,000 with or without a good balance.

Look into Scat for a good forged set-up for the lower end. (Crank, Rods, Pistons). Have the parts rebalanced a good reputable machine shop. Don't rely on Scat's balance or anyone's balance, most are okay for street use, but not for running a Hi-Performance engine round after round.

When it comes to Hi Performance and reliability use ARP bolts. Use their torque spces. follow what they say for lubes.

Follow Wayne's advice with the Ford engines. Good Luck...

Bob Aka-pepsi1