Which ford engine to use
#17
09-16-2015, 08:08 AM
I went the 351W with my build. I used many parts I had left over from my 302 mustang motor. I had to get the 351 Intake but the heads and water pump are from the 302. I didn't have any problems finding what I needed for it if I didn't already have them. I would agree though that 302 parts are easily had if needed and you can stroke the 302 to provide as much if not more HP then the 351 if that matters.
#18
09-16-2015, 09:37 AM
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Ford bashing on a Ford Truck forum seems uncalled for, in my opinion.
Can't we all just get along?
#19
09-16-2015, 11:30 AM
If the chevy is running why not leave it? Far easier to walk into any parts store and find chevy parts, much greater interchange on parts, and most any mechanic over 25 knows how to work on em. Only reason I see to change it out is for ego/peer pressure and/or because you have money to burn. (donning flame suit...) Even if the CSB in my truck blew up another one would go right back in, (especially since a good one could be quickly found, be inexpensive, and even a late model LS would bolt right in and be up and running in no time). Haters be dmaned!
We are putting a 4.6 3V with 3650 5 speed stick in Gary's 52 right now. Incompatibilities are rampant in Ford engines, I recently did some quick research on the Ford "mod" motors and was shocked at how many incompatible variants Ford built, there's nothing modular about them except bore spacing. PATS has made using a salvage late model Ford motor an almost impossible task. If going Ford, I'd stick with a pushrod engine if you can find one that hasn't been 'rode hard and put up wet". It's been discovered that many of the 351W blocks were from the factory or have developed cracks around the cam bearing journals.
We are putting a 4.6 3V with 3650 5 speed stick in Gary's 52 right now. Incompatibilities are rampant in Ford engines, I recently did some quick research on the Ford "mod" motors and was shocked at how many incompatible variants Ford built, there's nothing modular about them except bore spacing. PATS has made using a salvage late model Ford motor an almost impossible task. If going Ford, I'd stick with a pushrod engine if you can find one that hasn't been 'rode hard and put up wet". It's been discovered that many of the 351W blocks were from the factory or have developed cracks around the cam bearing journals.
Lots of parts interchange with the 4.6 its just the 3v is a ******* motor that was in production for what 5 years? With that said I'm not a fan of the mod motors and can't understand why ford even went with the 4.6 2v sohc when the 4v dohc was produced around the same time and made 280-290hp in a choked up lincoln in 93 or why not just upgrade the 302 and 351. The 351w is a bulletproof motor and the block can take 7-800hp. What google search did you read where there was a major journal problem?
#20
09-16-2015, 09:38 PM
#21
09-16-2015, 10:08 PM
Fleet Owner
I remember when the 4.6's first came out, reading in Ward's that the 4.6 was 25% more fuel efficient and something like 30% lower emissions than the Windsors. I have no love for them but they have their strong points.
#22
09-16-2015, 10:47 PM
I bought a 97 f150 way back with a 4.6 and it made 220hp and got 12 mpg. Motor never gave me a lick of trouble though.
#23
09-17-2015, 03:30 AM
#24
09-17-2015, 09:05 AM
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I bought a 97 tbird new with the 4.6 and it still gets around 23MPG around town. Plenty of hp and the only problem I have ever had was the plastic intake manifold split, but it was covered under warranty.
If you are going with a stock motor I would go with the 351W, If you are going to build it I would go with the 302.
" I want to change it back to a ford" ===> The only reason that matters
Just my opinion, hope it helps
If you are going with a stock motor I would go with the 351W, If you are going to build it I would go with the 302.
" I want to change it back to a ford" ===> The only reason that matters
Just my opinion, hope it helps
#25
09-17-2015, 10:50 AM
That's exactly right, my dad has a nice 1940 ford truck with a 472 cadillac engine that he built 15 years ago. He has always regretted a little not keeping it all ford. I didn't want that to happen to me down the road so I chose to pony up and spend more money to have the ford engine I wanted. Its personal preference either way but at least I won't have regrets later down the road.
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