Welcome to the World of the Off-Road Stock Truck Series! This is an entry-level Sportsman Class (semi-professional) for two-wheel drive, full-sized trucks with a chassis rated at 3/4 ton or smaller. This is a production truck series, and builders often choose a familiar manufacturer. Strong rivalries exist between these manufacturers, and many have taken sides. Those who don’t have strong ties to a specific manufacturer, this blog post may help you decide. To maintain competitiveness within this truck series, we are providing an overview of the big three manufacturers. We will provide you with the resources to be competitive, however you still need to dive into your own research! Dead Red Off-Road, Inc. does not build engines, well not yet at least.
The projected competitive horsepower (HP) range for the stock truck series is 350 to 400 HP, according to the Stock Truck Series Class Representative and Racing Veteran, Jordon Fellonz. The winning combination may vary due to a variety of factors; however, this is our target.
For a newbie, these engines are going to look unfamiliar, because a lot of these aren’t currently on the road. They have been replaced with high-compression, fuel injected, full hydraulic roller engines. The Ford Coyote 5.0, Chevy LS3, or Dodge Hemi V8 you have in the driveway doesn’t use a mechanical fuel pump or a flat tappet camshaft, so it cannot be used in this stock truck series. The engines intended for this truck series are essentially from the classic muscle car and stock car eras. Don’t worry about using these “older” engines, there are decades of information out there to help you build a winner!
Ford Windsor 351ci V8 – Ford’s Stock Truck Series Entry
The largest Ford small block in the stock truck series stable is the 351 Cubic Inch (ci) V8. The low-compression engine is often overshadowed in popularity by its smaller brethren, 302ci also known as the 5.0L. The factory horsepower rating ranged from 180 to 220 over the years. This engine has plenty of potential for more horsepower than the 5.0L. It can withstand the torque that usually splits the 302’s block right down the middle. If you choose to run with the blue oval bunch for the stock truck series, you will want to start with the Windsor.
The Legacy of the Ford Windsor 351ci V8
The Ford Windsor 351ci V8 engine was first introduced in the late 1960s as part of the Ford Windsor family of engines. Its design was based on the popular 289 and 302 engines, but it was larger and more powerful. This engine quickly gained popularity in various truck series, where its horsepower and torque were put to good use. The Ford Windsor 351ci V8 was also used in various performance and muscle cars, solidifying its reputation as a versatile and reliable engine.
The rivalry between Ford and Chevrolet has been around for decades. Both manufacturers are wildly popular when it comes to the stock truck series. There are millions of these Windsor engine blocks out there from the best-selling truck every year running, the F-150. The Ford Motor Company had their own off-road legacy built through their “Rough Riders” teams. Many of these trucks ran in the built 351 V8 Windsor block. By using the information available, you can turn your Windsor into a championship contender!
Click Here for more History of the 351 Windsor
Click Here for more on the Legendary Ford BFGoodrich Rough Riders Team
Ford Performance and Power for the Stock Truck Series
What makes the Ford Windsor 351ci V8 so special? It’s all about power and performance. With its 8 cylinders and 351 cubic inches of displacement, this engine can produce a significant amount of horsepower and torque. It’s the kind of engine that makes you feel like you can conquer the stock truck series, no matter how competitive the class is. And when you put the pedal to the metal, you can’t help but smile as the engine responds with a throaty roar.
Remember our Stock Truck Series horsepower target, 350 to 400 HP? Bolt on performance upgrades within the class specifications can get you there. Want to kick it up another notch for Super Stock Truck, 400 to 450 HP? Just get more aggressive with the upgrade selections. Ford Performance still uses the 351 Windsor Block design for other racing engines. Pro2, full size 2wd drive trucks, run spec 410ci Sprint Car engines. Those engines produce 900+ HP, and guess what? The aluminum engine block starts out as a 351 Windsor!
Click Here to Discover the Power Potential of the 351 Windsor
Versatility and Customization for the Stock Truck Series
But the Ford Windsor 351ci V8 is not just a one-trick pony. It’s an engine that is highly customizable and versatile. Many car enthusiasts have taken this engine and made it their own, adding various performance upgrades and modifications. Whether you want to increase the horsepower, improve the fuel efficiency, or add a custom exhaust system, the Ford Windsor 351ci V8 can be tailored to meet your needs.
Camshafts, cylinder heads, and aftermarket intake manifolds are the three common areas Hotrodders address when souping up an engine. There is a huge aftermarket industry gearing towards improving the performance of these small block Ford engines. The Ford F-150 and Mustang were the top selling vehicles in their segments when the traditional small block was offered. This means there are vast resources of information and many opinions about what parts to choose. Find the right social media group or YouTube channel and someone may have dyno-tested your combination of parts!
A must have factory performance upgrade for the small block Ford is the GT40 or GT40P cylinder heads. This factory cylinder head option was only available on specific models and trims in the 1990s. The lucky ones were 1993-1995 Mustang Cobra, 1996 to Mid-1997 Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, and the 1993 to 1995 F-150 Lightning. The heads were more free-flowing than the E7 predecessor, with intake/exhaust valving of 1.85/1.46-1.54. Ford’s revision of the GT40 heads was called GT40P. These heads were only found on Mid-1997 through early 2000s Explorers/Mountaineers. The GT40/GT40P heads are perfectly legal for the off-road stock truck series since they are factory cast-irons. You can expect to gain approximately 20-40 horsepower at the crank, and approximately 15-30 at the rear wheels.
Click Here to Learn More about Ford GT40/GT40P Cylinder Heads
A Classic Engine for the Stock Truck Series
While the Ford Windsor 351ci V8 engine is certainly a classic, it has managed to remain relevant in the modern age. Its design and performance characteristics make it a popular choice for the off-road stock truck series and performance car builds alike. And with a variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades available, it’s easy to bring this classic engine into the 21st century.
Chevrolet’s 350ci V8 for Stock Truck Series Application
If you’ve ever experienced the thrill of a powerful engine, then you know what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a car with a Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine. This engine, with its 350 cubic inches of displacement and V8 configuration, is truly a masterpiece of automotive engineering. It has powered some of the most iconic cars in history and continues to be a popular choice for car enthusiasts and truck series today.
The History and Legacy of the Chevrolet 350ci V8
The Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine has a rich history that dates to the late 1960s. It was first introduced as part of the Chevrolet small-block engine family and quickly gained popularity due to its power and versatility. Over the years, it has been used in a wide variety of vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern trucks. The Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine has truly stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for car enthusiasts around the world.
Rock solid engineering design is the legacy of the Chevy 350. These engines are extremely durable, easy to maintain, and parts are mostly interchangeable for all 350s. For example, you can take late model Chevrolet Performance Vortec cylinder heads and bolt them on to a first generation 350 V8! Chevy is not known for over-engineering something that is not broken, and that is something their fans love!
To explain the small block Chevy’s long-lasting success, Jordan Lee, the current global chief engineer for the engine, explains, “…we never pursue technology for technology’s sake. In keeping with the original philosophies, we want the simplest design that meets or exceeds our performance targets. What matters more to customers than the number of valves or how they operate is the power, torque, and fuel efficiency we provide.
Click Here for more information on the Chevy 350
Click Here for a great article called “Chevy Small-Block: The Little Engine that Did”
Chevy Performance and Power Potential for the Stock Truck Series
One of the most significant advantages of the Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine is its performance. With a displacement of 350 cubic inches and a V8 configuration, this engine can produce a significant amount of horsepower and torque. This means that you can experience the thrill of a powerful engine without sacrificing the reliability and efficiency that Chevrolet is known for. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or tearing up the back roads, you’ll love the way this engine performs.
Don’t let the stock horsepower numbers fool you, they look terrible, however the 350ci is the most common hotrodder engine! The 190 HP stock engine can be built to north of 400 HP in a hurry with bolt on components. Chevrolet has a reputation as a winner in motorsports and they continue to produce factory-made performance parts. The available knowledge for your next 350 build is vast. If you search hard enough, you may find someone who has already built your intended set up. This content will help you target the exact parts for what wins races.
If you aren’t interested in building up your own small block Chevy 350, you can buy a sealed crate engine directly from Chevy Performance. The CT350 features everything needed to compete in the stock truck series, from the flat tappet camshaft to cast-iron Vortec cylinder heads. This version produces 350 HP @ 5400 RPM, and 396ft-lb of Torque at 3800 RPM. These numbers hit right at the bottom of our target horsepower range; however, it is an affordable option. This configuration could be used as a baseline to build up the 350 V8 further for more power!
Click Here for more information about the new Chevy Performance CT350 Engine
Stock Truck Series Customization and Upgrades
Another great thing about the Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine is that it is highly customizable. Car enthusiasts love to tinker with their engines, and the Chevy 350ci V8 engine is no exception. Whether you want to increase your horsepower, improve airflow, or add boost, the possibilities are endless. And because this engine is so popular, there are plenty of resources available to help you get the job done right.
Get ahead with Chevy Performance Cast-Iron Vortec cylinder heads. The Vortec cylinder head debuted in the 1990s trucks, and quickly became the go-to performance head over the incumbent “Bowtie” heads. The Vortec featured smaller intake ports and intake/exhaust valves than Bowtie’s. The difference was in the intake velocity. These truck cylinder heads created more torque than their counterparts. The smaller combustion chamber also increased compression. As we know, if the compression goes up, so does the horsepower! If you are planning on building a Chevy for this off-road truck series, you need to choose the Vortec cylinder heads!
YouTube “Chevy 350 build” to find valuable videos where you can see how much horsepower and torque potential of the 350ci V8. For the stock truck series, rules limit the upgrades, however you can still use some time-tested hot-rodding tools. Induction, compression, and timing are the main areas primed for your upgrades. Richard Holdener tests some of these on the dyno for his YouTube channel to save you some dollars.
Click Here to See Richard Holdener Dyno the Chevy 350 and others!
Click Here for more information about Chevy Cylinder Head Options
A Perfect Choice for Your Stock Truck Series Rig
If you’re thinking about building a Chevy for an off-road truck series, the 350ci V8 engine is a perfect choice. Its power, performance, and versatility make it a popular choice for car enthusiasts and truck series alike. Most hotrod shops across the country specialize in Chevy performance. There are a bunch of aftermarket parts and upgrades available, you can truly make this engine your own! So, what are you waiting for? Start your race truck build today and experience the thrill of a Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine.
Dodge Magnum 360ci V8 Option for the Stock Truck Series
Has your potential ever been overlooked by other’s? Within the big three in this post, the Dodge Magnum 360ci is often an afterthought. This beauty is part of the Chrysler LA engine family and boasts a whopping 360 cubic inches of displacement. It boasts the largest displacement in this grouping. Size does matter, however it’s not the only thing great about this engine. The power and performance of this engine are truly something to be admired.
A Bit of History:
The Chrysler LA-series 360ci V8 engine has a rich history that spans decades. It was first introduced in the 1970s and quickly became a favorite among hotrodders and muscle car enthusiasts. Its popularity can be attributed to its reliable performance and the sheer power that it delivers. Over the years, it has been used in a variety of vehicles, from muscle cars to pickup trucks, solidifying its place as a versatile and beloved engine.
Starting in 1993, the Chrysler Corporation rebranded their classic small block LA-360 as the ‘Magnum.’ However, these newer engines were only available in trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Chrysler made millions of Dodge Durango SUVs, Ram Vans and Ram Trucks over a 10-year period. Depending on the vehicle, the stock Magnum’s output range is 230-260 hp and 300-345 lbs.-ft of torque. There is an ample supply of these Magnums stacked up in junkyards across the country, just waiting for you!
Click Here to Learn the Differences between a LA-Style and Magnum 360
Mopar Performance and Power for the Stock Truck Series
When it comes to performance, the Dodge Magnum 360ci V8 engine truly shines. Remember, there is no replacement for displacement! Its 360 cubic inches of displacement gives it the ability to produce a substantial amount of horsepower and torque upon build up. This means that whether you’re on the leading the field or stuck in traffic, you’ll have the power you need to handle any situation with ease. And when you’re behind the wheel of a truck with this engine, you’ll feel like you can take on the world.
Durable to withstand daily driver wear, many of these Magnum 360 engines have virtually no cylinder wear up to 200,000 miles. Most of these junkyard blocks may not need machining like the others on this post, just a quick honing of the bores. This durability could be to your advantage regarding acquiring these Magnum blocks relatively easily at low cost.
Strong cast iron engine blocks can save you dollars on your build up for other truck classes too. 500 Horsepower is obtainable with bolt on upgrades paired with cast iron cylinder heads. Anything above that line, you would want to plop on some aluminum heads. The ProLite truck series, two steps below Pro4 aka Trophy Truck, allows them in their rules, and you will commonly see them paired with a cast iron block!
Click Here for Motor Trend’s “Make Mine a 5.9” Magnum 360 Build
Stock Truck Series Customization and Upgrades
The beauty of the Dodge Magnum 360ci V8 engine is that it’s not just a one-size-fits-all solution. There are countless aftermarket parts and upgrades available that allow you to customize the engine to your heart’s content. Want more horsepower? There’s an upgrade for that. Looking to improve torque? There’s an upgrade for that too. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is yours.
Cylinder Heads
Cracked Magnum cylinder heads are the Achilles’ heel of the Magnum 360. The factory iron-cast heads are prone to cracking. It’s not if they crack, it’s when they do. Aftermarket support has stepped in with cast-iron stock replacement options. The approved aftermarket stock truck series cylinder heads are the Engine Quest’s CH-318Bs. Built strong enough to prevent cracking and drilled to support all the LA-Style bolt-on upgrade parts! If you thought you were solid after replacing the cylinder heads, there are two more things that must be done to be legal in this truck series.
Retrofit LA-Style Bolt-Ons
Next, replace the Hydraulic Roller camshaft for the LA-Style Flat Tappet version. Magnum engines had tiny roller lifters which complemented the engine block to provide maximum durability. However, the stock truck series requires the Flat Tappet lifters, so you cannot use the same camshaft. The LA-Style camshafts are too long for the magnum block. Luckily, the aftermarket manufacturers resolved this by creating a camshaft snout adapter. Paired with an LA-Style timing cover, you can run a mechanical fuel pump, also truck series mandated.
Beer barrels were made for drinking, not for your fuel-injection system! The stock Magnums were electronic fuel injected (EFI) engines, and the system resembled a barrel. The EFI is the final piece that needs to be swapped to make this engine legal. Slap on a carburetor and a big air cleaner, and you are good to go!
Click Here for Hughes Engines for their version of “Make Mine a 5.9” build
A Match Made in Heaven for the Stock Truck Series:
If you’re a fan of truck series, then the Dodge Magnum 360ci V8 engine is the perfect match for you. Its power and performance make it an ideal choice for trucks that need to handle heavy loads and tough terrain. And with a variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades available, you can truly make your truck the envy of all your friends.
Brand Battle Royale
The rivalry between the big three automakers has been ongoing for years. The Ford, Chevy, and Dodge performance small blocks are pretty evenly matched, however there are some distinct pros and cons. Making the right decision for your situation will require additional research. The information is out there, you just have to put in the work. Hopefully, this blog post jumpstarted your interest in the off-road stock truck series by making the technical specifications sheet less intimidating.
Once you have an engine plan, now it’s time to efficiently transfer that HP to the dirt! Jump on over to our Popular Drivetrain Components of Off-Road Truck Racing blog post for more!
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