Can a 351 non roller be converted to a roller?

983 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Joel5.0, Oct 6, 2005

Stangboy5666

Discussion Starter · Oct 6, 2005

So I can get a 351w for pretty cheap but its not a roller. Can it be converted? Im thinking of putting nearly all new parts in the block if I get it and possibly using this for my future turbo application, because I can build it for low compression.

I am also pondering this, because i have heard that 351's handle more power. Is this true? If so how much? I have heard that the 5.0 has a horsepower limit of roughly 500 and can crack at even less, especially in a boosted application. Now 500 hp is plenty for me, but when I go turbo I know that It will be kind of tough to hold the power under 500 hp and may even become inefficient and create more stress for the block to handle. What do you guys think? Thanks

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Joel5.0

· #2 · Oct 6, 2005 (Edited)

Stangboy5666 said:
So I can get a 351w for pretty cheap but its not a roller. Can it be converted? Im thinking of putting nearly all new parts in the block if I get it and possibly using this for my future turbo application, because I can build it for low compression.

I am also pondering this, because i have heard that 351's handle more power. Is this true? If so how much? I have heard that the 5.0 has a horsepower limit of roughly 500 and can crack at even less, especially in a boosted application. Now 500 hp is plenty for me, but when I go turbo I know that It will be kind of tough to hold the power under 500 hp and may even become inefficient and create more stress for the block to handle. What do you guys think? Thanks

Check http://www.fordracingparts.com and search part numbers M-6253-A50 (Roller cam conversion kit) and M-6500-S58 (early block hydraulic roller lifter set) for the roller cam setup. Keep in mind that the distributor drive gear will also need replacement for one that is compatible with roller cams material.

A 351 will handle power better than the 302 but, for a turbo at 500 hp I think you should add some strength to the mainshaft in the form of a main cap girdle, forged pistons, better rods and balance them out. After all this, you shouldn't have a problem.

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Stangboy5666

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 6, 2005

It will be balanced and all. I have thought about a girdle, but alot of the carnage Ive seen showed blocks with girdles and it didnt do anything to help them. Forged internals are a must to me anyways. Thanks

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Joel5.0

· #4 · Oct 6, 2005

Stangboy5666 said:
It will be balanced and all. I have thought about a girdle, but alot of the carnage Ive seen showed blocks with girdles and it didnt do anything to help them. Forged internals are a must to me anyways. Thanks

Get your point, it's a matter of either going the "safest" way by investing in a 4-bolt main caps option ($$$) now or, work with whats available until it goes 10-7.

I'm going with the stock shortblock and keep N/A until gears, suspension and heads work is done....install a supercharger with 10-15 psi but with all the safeties like spark control and methanol/water injection, which will require $$$. In the meantime I know I have to set aside more $$$ for a good shortblock foundation.

Let us know how it goes.

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