400HP Ford Econoline - Edelbrock Top End Kit

[ColombiaMotoAdv]

Edelbrock Top End Kit - I saw that Edelbrock makes complete 400hp kits for the Ford 351W for only $2,700USD. What do you all think?

Here are the details:

• I have a 1994 Ford E350 Econoline Club Wagon / 351W/E4OD
• I got some quotes at brand new crate motors for my van and being that they run around $12,000USD with everything brand new (Block, accessories, everything) I am looking for a less expensive option.
• Edelbrock Part # 2090 Performer RPM Top End Kit is designed for 1969-95 Small-Block Ford 351W V-8 engines. This Top End Kit produced 451 HP & 433 TQ on a 351W c.i.d engine with 9.5:1 compression.
• The kit delivers improved performance in street applications from 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. This kit includes RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, RPM cylinder heads, pushrods and Rollin’ Thunder Hydraulic Roller camshaft, timing chain, complete bolt kits and an Edelbrock gasket set.
• I was going to replace the existing speed density EFI with a Holly Sniper EFI system.
• Link: https://www.edelbrock.com/performer...avb6Zi6znVIFBvE9RtPspueWt4LAQSTFsJOuwHXpcvpk4

 

[JWA-SMB]

At the risk of sounding like a grouchy old man WTH kind of practicality would this be? How would it fit into the "adventure van" world? Is the claimed horsepower usable in a 4WD vehicle especially a '94 E350?

And where are you finding crate motors for $12,000? Maybe not too closely related but I recently bought and had installed a reman'd Ford 5.4 gas engine for just over $3K, 100K miles and 3 year warranty.

Something doesn't seem right here..........

 

[carringb]

The 351w is definitely able to make 400 hp. I think it would be fine for a solo camper van, but probably not so usable for towing. The cam profile for the higher-rpms needed to make more power, cuts down on low-end torque.

I doubt any of those kits are CARB any maybe not even EPA compliant, so beware if you live an an area with emissions testing.

 

[TomsBeast]

I think that Edlebrock kit would be a great addition, to a hot street car, with a good lower end. Not so much for a heavy van.



If you want more 'seat of the pants power' look at an engine swap that offers more torque, at under 4000rpm.


If your 351w in your van's engine is worn out, go with a complete crate engine engine, you'll be much happier.

 

[Lilnuts2]

For a heavy van with the aerodynamics of the Queen Mary you want lots of low to mid torque. High HP numbers are for brochures and people that that don't drive on the street.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

I run a built 351W in my '69 Bronco, that's probably around 350HP at the rear wheels. 351W's are typically not high RPM motors. I know mine's a low RPM torque monster, and if I recall correctly, the redline is about 4500rpm.

My engine does have a lot of age and a lot of miles on it, so when I eventually replace it, the replacement will be another 351W possibly with a Holley Sniper EFI system.


Herb

 

[ColombiaMotoAdv]

Hello! - What are the specs on your 351W build? What kind of cylinder heads did you use?

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Hello! - What are the specs on your 351W build? What kind of cylinder heads did you use?

The guy I bought my Bronco from way back in 2001 had the engine built sometime in the '90s so I don't have much info on it other than it has factory Ford cylinder heads and Keith Black pistons. Based on the engine code, I do know the engine originally came out of a Ford Torino.


Herb

 

[porschedpm]

Unless your engine has relatively low mileage, I wouldn’t recommend adding any performance modification like the Edelbrock kit without also rebuilding your motor or swapping in a new or reman motor.

 

[ColombiaMotoAdv]

Agreed. The motor has been completely machined and rebuilt. I've also been looking at AFR 165cc cylinder heads then using the stock cam and intake manifold. What do you all think?

 

[Vanimal]

$12 k hun! Man $12k would get me a low mileage 5.9 Cummings and drive train. Emissions would be easier to pass than the 351w with all the additions! More TORQUE because Horsepower is not as needed as torque is to move weight! IMOP! You'll wear out the 351w before the 5.9 hits midlife!

 

[theVanman]

Reviving this old thread. What did you end up doing? I have a 94 with a 5.8 that just hit 200k and I am looking for options. I think a top-end kit with 400 hp and 400+ torque would be a good addition to the van.