So, the 91 351w EFI engine in the whew....F250 is just dead. I'm not "fiddling" with it anymore. I'd like to get a used engine from a salvage yard but I would like to be open to other year engines. So, tapping the vast knowledge here, what years can I drop in that do not require any accessory or ecu changes? I'd love it if a 460 would just drop in , but for now let's just stick to the lovely 351.

 

There's not really much of a difference between 351w other than heads and compression. A 460 is possible and not as expensive as you may think if you can find a cheap doner truck but in these years wiring harness and ecu changes are easy. But any 351 from 87-95 will bolt right in.

 

actually the heads have been the same on the 351w's from 88-96 all being E7 heads. the compression also never changed thru those years. Now the previous years had different head variations and perhaps compression ratios but those had carbs on them and not efi.

look for a 94-96. what you want is the F4TE stamp on the block. this dictates that it either is roller cam ready or has a roller cam in it already. some 93's had this if you can find em. everything from your current 5.8 will carrie over.
if you can look on your current 5.8 and tell me if the TFI module is on the distributor or if its on the driverside fenderwell near the brake booster area. This is important as the roller cam motors used a different cam gear on the distributor then what you currently have on your year motor. but lets cross that road after we get more info.

 

Kemicalburns, you are a huge help. Anytime you are down this way all the drinks you can consume are on me. I found this link quickly looking to know more about the TFI system COOL*CATS ::*Tech Center: Troubleshooting: TFI Module Failure Ido not want to really do the 460 a this time. I'm finding so much stuff that was hacked! I just noticed that the lower radiator cushion was not reinstalled at one point an one transmission line (the top one) was never reinstalled. Getting this beast running is the goal.

Here is the distributor showing my TFI module:


Here is the fender by the brake booster just for reference:

 

ok so what that means is when you get a complete 5.8 motor from the wrecking yard and its the F4TE block i would recommend you have the distributor gear pressed off and put onto your current 91 5.8 distributor. this way you are sure to have the correct gear style and the dizzy itself will work with your current wiring harness. everything else will hook up to the motor just as it did on your 91 5.8.

so search for a 93-95 F150/bronco 5.8 or a 93-97 F250/350 5.8.
the 96 bronco/f150 5.8 would be an obd-II which isnt a big deal but it had some weird electronics on it like a crank position sensor and such.

really this is a pretty strait forward swap. before you drop in the motor i would recommend you install a new regular oil pump, replace any gaskets and install a new Tstat and water pump. This is also a good time to install some shortie headers if you so wish. much easier with motor out.

 

This token expiration jazz is getting old. Third try. Now to find an engine seller that can guarantee the F4TE block and leave the dist. Where would you go?

 

your local u pull it and remove the engine out of a 94+yr rig. best bet for sure. you might find it easiest to just get a complete motor any way. just find one with under
100k miles and drop it right into your rig. your current 91 wiring harness will hook right up. and just do the dizzy gear swap.

 

I'm a bit leery of pulling just any engine. What I really need to know is if that's exactly what they are going to do when I order one for $850. Why is it so hard to get a used running engine with papers??????

 

it must be stamped F4TE which is on the block back where the starter sits. I believe all 94+ 5.8s had roller cams. if you just pull the upper/lower intake you will see the dogbones and lifter retainer in the valley of the motor.

if you go this route you should be able to sell your complete 91 5.8 for at least $450.

 

Okay, found an engine, but the people could not find the F4TE casting.

What was found was this:

T4E68015AA14386

9795197A31

What's going on here ?

 

some times its hard to spot. the start may need to be removed.

 

I emailed a picture over to them so they can look harder. The numbers they gave me did not match up with anybody's info at the machine shop. Question: what does not having a roller motor going to do for me. 10 ft lbs of torque from what I can see, or am I limiting myself in the future for modifications? I'm kind of just happy I can get any motor.

 

honestly i dont feel its that big of a deal. if you can score one it just makes for a smoother revving motor. less resistance helps make power ya know. I will say that the aftermarket roller cams are more spendy then flat tappet cams.

 

I'm running a flat tappet and havent had any problems (yet). Supposedly the new oils dont lube properly for a flat tappet, I'd find a roller if I had it to do over again. The lobe profile can be made to get the valves opened faster with more duration with a roller, but I'm not sure how the stock cams compare.

 

So the F4TE does not guarantee a roller, just a roller ready? GD!! The yard I'm dealing with told me he had never heard of rollers coming from the trucks I was asking about. This sucks. You guys are a good resource, I trust you more than that guy! I had 12 beers tonight! I feel light!

EDIT: whoa mama! 124 oz of beer on a work night is a trip.