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Best Engine for a Foxbody

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fox body
33K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  olerodder 
#1 ·
I plan to purchase a Foxbody in the near future but was wondering what would be the best engine to look out for in a Foxbody. I've heard I could just stick with the 302 but I've also seen 351C and some 351W out there and was curious which would be best for power for price. I'm not looking to get a 10 second car but anything around 400-500 RWHP would be suitable to my Needs.
 
#2 ·
The best engine is the one you can afford. Making that kinda power is attainable with either a 302, 347, 351, 408, 460 and so on. The wallet is what will hold you back.
 
#6 ·
If you are against the LSx motor which is truly a cheap or should I say affordable way to make some power you could go with a 351 motor outta a truck but then skies the limit.
 
#7 ·
Having built a number of 500+ hp 351's...that would be my second choice. My first choice would an LS3 or even an LS6 if you can afford it. They are lighter and pretty simple to make 400/500rwhp without breaking the bank. Making a 500rwhp 351 stroker will cost some serious dollars...especially if you want it to be reliable. I think 302 based motors are just too few cubic inches...the more cubic inches means more cubic torque...and that all adds up to more HP.
If you could find an LS3 out of Grand Sport Corvette it already has a dry sump which could allow you to lower the motor in the chassis or even slid it back just a little...just a thought.
Just so you're clear hear, 500rwhp in a relatively light Fox Body and some good suspension work will most definitely put you in the 10's.
LS3 wet sump, 405lbs
LS3 dry sump, 466lbs
351w is 575lbs
A 100 to 200lbs off the front end will make the car handle like a go cart...IMHO
 
#8 ·
Having built a number of 500+ hp 351's...that would be my second choice. My first choice would an LS3 or even an LS6 if you can afford it. They are lighter and pretty simple to make 400/500rwhp without breaking the bank. Making a 500rwhp 351 stroker will cost some serious dollars...especially if you want it to be reliable. I think 302 based motors are just too few cubic inches...the more cubic inches means more cubic torque...and that all adds up to more HP.

If you could find an LS3 out of Grand Sport Corvette it already has a dry sump which could allow you to lower the motor in the chassis or even slid it back just a little...just a thought.

Just so you're clear hear, 500rwhp in a relatively light Fox Body and some good suspension work will most definitely put you in the 10's.

LS3 wet sump, 405lbs

LS3 dry sump, 466lbs

351w is 575lbs

A 100 to 200lbs off the front end will make the car handle like a go cart...IMHO

Well thank for that info I'm really new into going about building a Stang my first 97 GT was bone stock. And my 95 5.0 just had Heads and Intake just A few bolt ones nothing major. I've heard all the time of everyone saying doing a LS Swap on Foxbodies but I feel like it's against my will to do so lol. I know those LS1s or even LS3 are out there going out for cheap. But what about doing a Coyote swap I've seen them from time to time on sale on Craigslist for about 2-3k used. Or what about the 4.6 out of a cobra and then slapping a SC or Turbo on it?
 
#12 ·
Buy a brand new coyote that already has 435 horses, is very reliable and lightweight. You can get a new one for 5 grand or low mileage for around 3 grand...
 
#13 ·
#14 ·
What SmurfStang said is the first thing you should do. If you don't have to budget to do what you want then you need to look at other alternatives.
I have never seen a new stock Ford Coyote crate motor for less than $6k, and the Aluminator is around $9k. Yes, there will be a lot of other stuff before the Coyote will run, electronics and other stuff will eat up another $2k.
As I said earlier...to build a real 500rwhp motor will easily take $10k. Even if you build a motor and add a blower/turbo you will need to spend some money making sure it doesn't come apart the first time you put your foot on the floor.
I have a friend who goes to salvage yards and buys LS motors, puts a turbo on it and runs it till it blows up...the motors usually cost him anywhere from $500 to $1000...You could get a lot of experience pulling motors...just a thought.
Remember, how much HP you want depends on how many green backs you are willing to spend.
 
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