I have a 93 Ford Bronco- EFI- 5.0-E40D auto and plan on doing a swap to a 351W. I have been reading alot of post on this site that have been really helpful. I'm leaning towards searching for a 351W at a salvage yard so I can take all the goodies home with me to do the swap.
My question is (in your opinion) What is the newest year and latest year that would be best for this swap and how many miles on the engine are to many? Thanks, Ronnie

 

If you want the best available 351w block, not really from a strength aspect, as they all are about the same but from capability, get a block that has a casting number F4TE stamped near the starter. That block will allow you to use a flat tappet or a roller cam by simply adding 5.0 retainers, roller lifters, and h bars, and inexpensive. If you get a non roller capable block, any other than a F4TE you will need to either get a reduced base circle camshaft, tap the block for the retainer lifters and risk hitting the cam or linked roller lifters, either is more expensive and not as easy as just dropping in the camshaft and lifter. From what I have read the main bearings are ususally the first to go and that can occur around 150-200,000 miles but in reality its engine specific, do a simple compression test and if possible put a mechanical oil gauge on it and take note of the psi, that would tell you more than guessing. Just a thought, later

 

JWTaylor:
Thanks for your time but that wasn't the info I was looking for.

 

?????


The F4TE block is the latest block 93 +/- to 97 (f-250's) after that no more 5.8's.

Maybe you can reword your question and I will try and answer it. I don't have the best comprehension skills. Later

 

I think I get it now...you want to know what will be a direct swap. I would still aim for the 93-97 block with f4te casting number. There are many that have done this swap and reused the 5.0 computer, meaning took the 5.0 out, dropped the 5.8 in and connected the wiring harness to the firewall and called it good. Just be sure to get a speed density or mass air efi dependant on what you have now, if you choose to keep the 5.0 computer, otherwise its all a direct swap over. I would look for a 97 f-250 as they came from the factory with a roller cam installed, all other did not, be sure its an auto tranny e4od. Am I getting closer? later

 

Thanks JW:
Yes you nailed half my question. I was leaning towards a 96 because I didn't know that Ford made the 351W in 97. Thanks to you now I know. If I can find a 97 I will take the computer, wiring harness, mass air flow and install that into the Bronco with the motor.
Now for the second half of the question about milage. I don't think I would want a motor with 100,000 miles but think that 50,000 would be acceptable. In your opinion waht would you feel comfortable with?

 

Thats kinda why I mentioned if possible do a compression test and get and actual oil psi reading of the engine. These two things will give you a real good idea of the condition of the valves, rings and main bearings. A 50,000 mile engine could be junk and a 100,000 mile as good as new, many variables, know what I mean. Personally, I think 50,000-75,000 sounds good, sounds like you just wanna drop something in and forget about it for a while. In my experience it doesn't matter what vehicle I have owned, at 100,000 miles it seems to never fail that something goes, may just be a sensor but sensors can add up...haha. Sounds like you have a solid plan. I hate to be one of those people but being you have the 5.0, it might be cheaper to stroke your engine to 347 and do a stock rebuild, then you know the conditon of the engine, and have close to 351 cubic inches but less weight on the front end. Just thought I would mention it, good luck with your project