Thread: 351W 9.2 or 9.5?

Tweet

Can anyone tell me the benefits/drawbacks of a 351W with a 9.2 Deck Height?

Thanks

A serious lack of aftermarket pistons and the intakes are not the same as the taller deck block. (nearly everything is made for the taller 9.5 deck)

I am almost finished building my 1969 9.2 deck 351w and the only options I had on pistons, was either to have them custom made or get the cheaper machine shop variety, I believe Badger is the brand.
They offer two different pistons for the 5.2 deck, one is a flat top with valve reliefs and the other has a .23-.25" scalloped out section taking up nearly the entire piston.
The good news is that besides the intake and the pistons, everything else 351w will work.
As for what is more advantaguous for power etc.. same bore and stroke.. basically the same heads (factory), the short deck may weigh a few pounds lighter than the taller one.. but.... the tall deck has more aftermarket flexability than the shorter deck.. which means you can build it as you want a lot easier