'95 engine swap question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Mulberry, Fl
'95 engine swap question
I have a '95 flareside 4x2 302 with 165k roughly.
I am planning to buy the wifey a 2012 focus. and after that spend some bucks on my truck.
I would like to yank the 302 and e40d out. and install a rebuilt trans (no issue there)
But, I would like to swap the 302 for a 351 out of a 1993-1996 (prefer a lightning model) I do NOT care about turbo, nitro, supercharger.
Just want a 351 Fuel Injected. Going to buy a used one, and totally rebuild from bottom up. (not for power, just for life expectancy) I will be installing headers, as the manifold on drivers side has a slight leak.
What I would like to know is this.
is it a direct no headache swap ? meaning...
mounts, and computers are interchangeable ? or are there a lot of oh my god no... type problems to this swap. I don't require a step by step for this. just if anyone has done it, and encountered odd issues. or would you recommend just rebuilding a 302 so it is fresh and clean and happy?
it would be nice to have the extra torque and horsepower a 351 would add. but, my truck is clean... and I have no desire to hack and slash all over to make it work.
any input would be greatly appreciated.
I am planning to buy the wifey a 2012 focus. and after that spend some bucks on my truck.
I would like to yank the 302 and e40d out. and install a rebuilt trans (no issue there)
But, I would like to swap the 302 for a 351 out of a 1993-1996 (prefer a lightning model) I do NOT care about turbo, nitro, supercharger.
Just want a 351 Fuel Injected. Going to buy a used one, and totally rebuild from bottom up. (not for power, just for life expectancy) I will be installing headers, as the manifold on drivers side has a slight leak.
What I would like to know is this.
is it a direct no headache swap ? meaning...
mounts, and computers are interchangeable ? or are there a lot of oh my god no... type problems to this swap. I don't require a step by step for this. just if anyone has done it, and encountered odd issues. or would you recommend just rebuilding a 302 so it is fresh and clean and happy?
it would be nice to have the extra torque and horsepower a 351 would add. but, my truck is clean... and I have no desire to hack and slash all over to make it work.
any input would be greatly appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
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From: Mexico, Missouri
You will need to get a computer from a similar 351 that supports the exact tranny you are planning on rebuilding. I'm thinking different motor mounts, but I'm unsure. Someone with a bit more knowledge of this swap will chime in.
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Senior User
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From: Mulberry, Fl
I had read once, that the 302 and 351 used the same computer.
But, I had also read somewhere else that they used different computers
I was reasonably sure the blocks are the same between 302 and 351. that's why I was thinking the mounts would be the same... that the difference would different heads and bore and stroke difference. but the primary outer dimensions of the block including bolt holes were the same.
But, that is why I post... better to be safe or have added doubt, than be sorry. lol
But, I had also read somewhere else that they used different computers
I was reasonably sure the blocks are the same between 302 and 351. that's why I was thinking the mounts would be the same... that the difference would different heads and bore and stroke difference. but the primary outer dimensions of the block including bolt holes were the same.
But, that is why I post... better to be safe or have added doubt, than be sorry. lol
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: Mulberry, Fl
mmm yeah... didn't think about the higher thirst that the 351 would have... excellent point sir. Easy way to prove me wrong. lol
probably different shift points.
many other variables...
it would probably be easier on me to get another 302. rebuild. and build it up a bit.
then look into getting the computer programmed, or buying a chip or some such deal.
that way it would retain factory setup on most counts.
OK... that being the case... have you ever seen for sale an active hood scoop kit that relocates the air filter and mass air setup ? I mean at a summit racing or some such place.
probably different shift points.
many other variables...
it would probably be easier on me to get another 302. rebuild. and build it up a bit.
then look into getting the computer programmed, or buying a chip or some such deal.
that way it would retain factory setup on most counts.
OK... that being the case... have you ever seen for sale an active hood scoop kit that relocates the air filter and mass air setup ? I mean at a summit racing or some such place.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
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From: Midwest
if your 95 is MAF,you can use the 5.0 computer,you will need to use the tranny you have now if you use your current computer. Motor mounts are the same.
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Senior User
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From: Mulberry, Fl
i can get a rebuilt 351 for about $2000 fully dressed. can't understand why a 302 would be so much more expensive.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
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From: Midwest
you may already know this,but just in case you don't,your 302 intake manifold won't fit the 351w because the 351w is wider. Distributor won't swap either,among other small things I am probably forgetting.
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From: Mulberry, Fl
i had planned to buy one used and "ready to run" from craigslist.
and take my time rebuilding. and cleaning. and painting. and whatnot. or just buy one from a source that sells them rebuilt and ready to install with all accessories. haven't decided that yet.
i can get a 1994 351 on craigslist pulled out of a smashed truck with appx 120k miles for $250.
then spend $2000 on building it.
buy an already built one for $4000 or so.
buy a long block 1995 351 at the ford dealer with warranty for $2200. then need sensors... haven't made up my mind 100% which way i plan to go... i just don't need 600 horsepower. it is a daily driver. so no massive cubes. or super or turbo or nitrous.
i occasionally haul more than just ***. lol
boats. furniture... etc. and it would be nice to have the extra oommmff. for towing.
and take my time rebuilding. and cleaning. and painting. and whatnot. or just buy one from a source that sells them rebuilt and ready to install with all accessories. haven't decided that yet.
i can get a 1994 351 on craigslist pulled out of a smashed truck with appx 120k miles for $250.
then spend $2000 on building it.
buy an already built one for $4000 or so.
buy a long block 1995 351 at the ford dealer with warranty for $2200. then need sensors... haven't made up my mind 100% which way i plan to go... i just don't need 600 horsepower. it is a daily driver. so no massive cubes. or super or turbo or nitrous.
i occasionally haul more than just ***. lol
boats. furniture... etc. and it would be nice to have the extra oommmff. for towing.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Mulberry, Fl
Just trying to figure out the best thing to do at this point...
better to buy a rebuilt. or rebuild myself ?
better to go 302 or 351 ?
or better to just rebuild the existing 302 under the hood already?
I will drive with wife's POS blazer.
after she gets her focus. So, I can take my time and do what I want engine wise to my truck. Body is CLEAN. trans shifts good. interior is clean. even rebuilt the rear with new wheel bearings and everything.
So, to me it would be dumb for me to get a new vehicle. (specially since I prefer the early 90's body line f150 to the new ones) I am happy with the power the 302 has. But, would obviously be happier with extra power.
dollar for doughnut wise... daily driver usage.
No mud bogging, no tractor pulls, no drag racing.
is it better to rebuild and have a fresh 302. or swap in a rebuilt fresh 351.
I think that's my current dilemma.
from what I remember...
horse power is close on both engines. but torque was like 225 on 302. and just over 300 on the 351. But, my brain could be way off...
I am of course attempting to remember stock outputs.
Most of this post is tired, rambling, and rhetorical... lol
better to buy a rebuilt. or rebuild myself ?
better to go 302 or 351 ?
or better to just rebuild the existing 302 under the hood already?
I will drive with wife's POS blazer.
after she gets her focus. So, I can take my time and do what I want engine wise to my truck. Body is CLEAN. trans shifts good. interior is clean. even rebuilt the rear with new wheel bearings and everything.
So, to me it would be dumb for me to get a new vehicle. (specially since I prefer the early 90's body line f150 to the new ones) I am happy with the power the 302 has. But, would obviously be happier with extra power.
dollar for doughnut wise... daily driver usage.
No mud bogging, no tractor pulls, no drag racing.
is it better to rebuild and have a fresh 302. or swap in a rebuilt fresh 351.
I think that's my current dilemma.
from what I remember...
horse power is close on both engines. but torque was like 225 on 302. and just over 300 on the 351. But, my brain could be way off...
I am of course attempting to remember stock outputs.
Most of this post is tired, rambling, and rhetorical... lol
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
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From: Tobyhanma, PA
If you are happy with the 302 now, a rebuilt one will be much better. However a fresh 351 will be even better. If you don't plan on lifting the truck, towing alot, or doing mud drags, then the 302 should be fine for your needs. And it requires the least amount of work, since you already have one.
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Senior User
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From: Mulberry, Fl
I have a 18' jet boat up in Michigan that I eventually plan to tow down here to Florida.
I moved from there to here, using my truck towing a 14' trailer twice... truck did OK...
was not a fun trip. warped the living hell out of my front rotors. ground the pads to nothing. Yes, I rode the brakes... I took it out of overdrive... and it was revving too high. felt safer killing brakes than trans.
Going up the mountains... I had a hell of a time on some 6-8% grades going much over 45 mph with the air on. I just figured a 351 would make it work LESS to move cargo. or just a truck. and would probably get similar gas mileage to what I was getting in my truck before I started having issues (see my other thread for details lol)
Driving normal... I would get 19-21 mpg.
so I figured with a 351 I should see 20-22 mpg.
down here in Florida... with the issues. and HIGH % of Ethanol in the gas... I am at around 13 mpg.
so at this point... having 250 horses and torque or more. and 16-18 mpg would make me squeal like a school girl at a Justin Beiber concert. lol
I moved from there to here, using my truck towing a 14' trailer twice... truck did OK...
was not a fun trip. warped the living hell out of my front rotors. ground the pads to nothing. Yes, I rode the brakes... I took it out of overdrive... and it was revving too high. felt safer killing brakes than trans.
Going up the mountains... I had a hell of a time on some 6-8% grades going much over 45 mph with the air on. I just figured a 351 would make it work LESS to move cargo. or just a truck. and would probably get similar gas mileage to what I was getting in my truck before I started having issues (see my other thread for details lol)
Driving normal... I would get 19-21 mpg.
so I figured with a 351 I should see 20-22 mpg.
down here in Florida... with the issues. and HIGH % of Ethanol in the gas... I am at around 13 mpg.
so at this point... having 250 horses and torque or more. and 16-18 mpg would make me squeal like a school girl at a Justin Beiber concert. lol
