I am about to embark in replacing my worn out 302 with a 94 Lightning 351 short block. I plan to use a Lightning GT40 upper and lower intake, Bassani equal length headers, and upgrade to roller rockers using a Crane Cams retrofit kit (If possible). My question if this: Will my mass air computer handle the extra cubic inches and the other very minor mods using the stock injectors and MAF sensor? Will I need bigger injectors / bigger MAF sensor? I understand that MAF systems are very forgiving and this should (theoretically) work, but I want to check with all you experts out there first (Piece of mind...).

Also, are the Crane rocker kits any good? They are supposed to directly bolt on and not require removal of/machining of the cylinder heads, but I want to know if anyone has ever used these before I go and spend any money on them. Are there any other mods I can do while the engine is on the stand for better power? Also any opinions on a "Windage Tray"?

Can I re-use my valve covers, oil pan, timing cover, accessories and brackets, etc. from the original 302?

Any and all advice will be extremely appreciated guys. This is my first solo engine swap so I want to make sure anything and everything is accounted for before I start tearing down my truck. Thanks for your time guys, I really appreciate it.

 

not sure about the computer stuff. the oil pan you probably won't be able to reuse especially if you go to a windage tray. valve cover's will bolt on but you will most likely have clearance problems with that crane kit. timing cover you should definitely be able to reuse. the 302 brackets I'm not completely sure on because of the higher deck height someone should know that though.
I used the crane roller conversion on a 460 and it ran as long as I had it no problem's I did have to use aftermarket valve cover's on it and I always kinda had that naggin wonder in the back of my mind. If I ever do that again I will take it to a machine shop. but that's just for my own piece of mind.

 

Firing order is diff. on 302/351 you will need to make shure of your comp. I installed a ford mass air it changes your firing order Get new 19 lb injectors from those cut rate places like summit , or jegs . 19lbs are fine , don't go 24lbs unless your cam is wild & head's have been ported to the max.


Don

 

This truck already has the 351 firing order, so I'm not too concerned with that. I was wondering if the mass air system will forgive the extra 49 cubic inches or if I need to change anything...
Injectors.. What the stock rating for the 302's?

Thanks guys

Jason

 

All 302 I have ever seen std. firing order was diff. from 351w block . the reason they changed it was the 302 mostly when using high comp beat out mains & 351w smothed out the firing & the bottom ends held together better . Don

 

...........the firing order changed when they went to MAF from SD on the 302.

I also am using the Crane conversion with good results. I had to beat the baffles in the valve covers down to fit over the rockers and used a thicker gasket.

I've heard that the 302 pan fits the 351 block.........also heard otherwise. Best to just mock it up, if it don't fit buy a new one.

The 5.0 CPU should run fine with the 351. There are many people that have changed to the 351 with SD with no trouble so I imagine the MAF should take it in stride. Of course to maximize the added cubes a new chip would be best.

FYI, stock 5.0 injectors are 19's (orange).

 

Thanks for the response everyone. I am thinking about getting different valve covers anyway, but money is getting tight really quickly with the pending holidays coming up... I would like to find a nice aftermarket finned aluminium oil pan just for the extra cooling and dress-up purposes, but stock will be fine if I decide not to spend any more money. I found a windage tray that works w/stock pans etc. from a company right here in IL (St. Charles).

Are the 19# injectors enough for the 351 or should I bump them up a size to 21# or 24#? With the mass air setup I hope to achieve decent gas mileage when I'm nice to it, but very good power when I get on it, which is why I'm not going hog wild (Even though I know full well that the lightning engine is capable of sick things when built up!)

BTW, Where can I find a stock Lightning GT40 upper and lower intake set? Ebay has none, can't find them at any junkyards...

Thanks for the help, advice/suggestions for my little motor project welcome.

Jason

 

Summit has them......but their spendy.
GT-40
When I first saw this I thought it said for 5.8...........you would need to call them to see if they fit 5.8's.

I would try the 19's to start with, you could always change them later. Just read the plugs to see if it's too lean or not. Not sure what the 351's came with stock (seem to remember 24's)....

 

I believe the 351's rear main seal is larger than the 302, meaning the pan will not work, but that only comes out of a very foggy recollection...might be right, might be wrong...but check that (go to NAPA and ask to see the two seals side by side on the counter).

 

I'll check on the seals.. I have a Napa within reach here.. As for the 5.0 intake, It will not fit 351 engines due to differences in the height etc; although that is the upper that came with the lightnings.. That's the one I would like to have but can't find.

Jason

 

I have a 94 lighting it has 19lb inj. in it . You should use a adj. fuel pump reg. also do away with the vac. one.

Don

 

A 302 pan will not fit a 351W block, as mentioned earlier the W has larger mains.

The timing cover will not fit either, since the W has a taller deck... I don't know about the fit and finish of the roller rockers, Crane makes pretty good products, and I would expect them to fit exactly as described.

Ford Racing has everything you are looking for.