LT1 vs 351 Boss
A matchup is in the January 2010 Hot Rod magazine to definitively set the record straight on the big debate in the late 60s and 70s. The competition really started with the Shelby 289 vs my favorite 327 (375hp fuelie) then moved to the 302s to end with the 350 vs 351C of 1970 & 1971, the year of our interest. Both manufacturers for the LT-1 350 and Boss 351 rated hp at 330 as did DeTomaso using the same 4” bore and similar strokes (3.48 & 3.50) on four bolt mains. Each generated their power numbers differently. Chevy went with lower compression of 9:1 by larger chambers 74-76cc for a better burn swirl instead of Ford’s 11:1 closed chamber 64-67cc and longer rod length by .078 giving Cleveland a better rod ratio. Ford ran slightly larger exhaust valves (1.71 vs 1.60) because their heads flowed better. Cams were solids but the blue oval used less duration and lobe separation. The tests balanced the environment by using the same 750 Holley carb with stock intakes. Similar headers too leveled the tests.
What about results? Pickup the mag and learn about the 289 hipo vs the early 327. You’ll then understand why Ford had to develop the Cleveland heads. Oh, be sure to give me your 4V heads as you abandon them for them new fangled shiny heads. (I wish I had a 302 to make a 400hp screamer too.)
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