Looking for advice, and couldn't find info in the previous posts. I am a long time Ford fan, and had a lot of fun back in the day with 289 and 302 setups. I am currently looking at a 95 F150 with a 5.8L in it and wondering about any disadvantages over the 5.0L. Is gas mileage a considerable issue, and are replacement motor parts a concern over the 5.0L?? Is power a noticiable improvement... I am not looking to do mudding or off roading, or racing, just crusin now, Thanks RZ

 

The 351 is probably a better motor than the 5.o. It may even be MUCH better. Its typically more durable and will last longer. Blue book gave it a plus $ back when I was looking for a truck whereas the 5.o got nothing.

Gas mileage does not take a big hit either. The engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the truck but alot will depend on gearing. Do a search on gas mileage and you'll get an idea of what to expect mpg-wise just try to compare yours to the same geared truck.

Have a great one,
Popa Tim

 

I have owned both and loved both. With the 5.8 you get a little more power with a little less fuel economy, but not enough either way to get too excited about. I also use my truck mostly just for cruising but occassionally put it to work. Both the 5.0 and the 5.8 have served very well.

 

Thanks, Is the 5.8L any harder to work on? engine compartment space ? Plugs, and maybe future headers?

 

Everything on mine is fairly easy to get to. I also have the 95 with a 351. Got 214,000 on er and the engines still kickin. As long as I don't run it over 3000 RPM it will keep oil in it forever. A little sluggish on low end torque due to the fact that I modified the exhaust. Less backpressure=lower low end torque I guess. But other than that, shes been a workhorse. I replaced original plugs and wires and distributor cap and rotor at 201,000. Engine seems to be bulletproof. By the way bud, dont let a little exhaust tick scare ya (in case it ever happens, which probably will. Most of us suffer from that one.) The only thing im scared bout with my truck is the tranny. Its an E4OD with 214,000 miles on it. Its due for a rebuild, hopin it doesnt leave me stranded. Other than that you should do well with er. Good luck to ya.

 

almost all of the components are the same on the 5.8 and the 5.0. you won't notice any difference at all when working on one space-wise. The reason it's bigger, I heard, is because the piston takes a longer stroke, providing more torque. Gas mileage issues are minimal, if not non-existant. Jump on that truck! sounds nice!

Ryan

 

Sorry, but not true. The 351 is taller and wider. Not much is the same on the two either. Even the head bolts are a different size.

 

i have a 95 f150 351 and its great! most of the parts on the 302 bolt right up to the 351 one of my friends has a 302 and nearly all the parts would bolt right up i dont think i could tell the difference between the two.

 

the 351 block is taller (9.5" deck height vs I believe 8.2") and a bit wider, and a lot of the parts are different (crank, rods, bolts...) but like 5.892f150 said, most parts that work on one will work on the other.

 

Name the parts then. Not counting accessories, none of the parts are the same. The heads, block, crank, intake, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, pistons, etc, are ALL DIFFERENT. So what is the same?

 

Just my 2 cents...

And unloaded, fun truck to drive would be the higher reving 5.0L with a stick.

To use the truck as a truck, I'd go with the 5.8L, with a stick.

I have 340K+ on my 5.8L F350 crewcab so I can't complain about that engine....

 

I meant other than the block, oil pan, crank and intake manifold, aftermarket parts usually fit; heads, pistons (depending on stroke and con rod lenght), cam (302ho)... sorry Stevef100s, I should've said "some" and by the way the heads are the same except for the bolts. frederic, was your 351 rebuilt at some point or not and wich year is it?

 

I got the ford racing stainless shorty headers for the 5.8 in my '93 f250, and they went in without a hitch. I did get the expensive bolts that can go in with either socket or Allen wrench. Sound great too!

 

I had those same questions 12 years ago, and decided the 5.0 would give me the best balance of power and gas mileage. that was about 199,000 miles ago- and I've never regreted it. Truthfully, I don't think there's a huge difference- the 351 has a little more power, uses a little more fuel.

 

My friend has an '89 F250 Auto/withOD with the 302(5.0) and its a complete dog but gets decent mileage 14-17 so he says, I cant tell you about the 351(5.8) because I dont have one, I went for power and threw mileage out the window, 460(7.5) 5Speed 4-5MPG.