1979 351W interchangeability

I am building a 1979 351W to put in a boat. I am trying to get into ford, and want to learn about interchanging parts before building my motor.


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A large percentage of parts are interchangeable with 302's as the design is the same. The only appreciable changes were for the increase in dimension.
Camshaft firing order changes were made in later years to both.
What changes do you plan to make?

I`m not much on Fords. But my favorite Ford engine is the 351W. Make sure you pick a cam with more lift and duration on the exhaust side if your using factory heads, the exhaust ports are terrible and need all the help they can get.

Additional info on the heads since they have been mentioned.
Post 1970 heads do require port work as any iron emissions castings do.
Pre 1970 heads are excellent for your application with minimal or no port work.
All factory iron heads of any brand require similar work to obtain the full potential.
The best factory heads for your engine depending on the build would be 1969 351 heads, 1968-1969 302 or mid 60's 289 heads that will flow equal to the 351 heads as they have no emissions limitations designed into them.
There are a good number of options including Cleveland style if you want to spend the time and money. Aftermarket aluminum heads should be considered before a large investment in restoration of iron heads.
If this is a basically stock rebuild the heads you have are likely to be all you need.
For more performance consider all the options.