I've got the 300 in my '79 4x4 just about tuned to perfection, there really isn't anything wrong with it, besides 114 hp.

I'm trying to decide which way to go with a different motor, I am on an extremely tight budget (ruling out aftermarket heads/stroker kits, etc.), and mpg is pretty important as it is my dd. I don't need crazy power either, something like 250-275 hp and 350/400 ft pounds would do me plenty.

In my garage I have a decent 351c (not M) shortblock, in need of some rebuilt heads (it was destined for my '72 fastback, but it's on the backburner now). It needs a hone on the walls, but otherwise would be good to go. All in all this seems like a decent choice.
However I am really considering finding a post 93 roller 351w with all the accessories attached (found a rebuildable one locally for $150), the benefits would be having the roller cam, cheaper/more available parts, possibly economy, serpentine belt system with 3g alternator and sanden a/c compressor, etc.

I've considered a 360/390 or a 400m, but that'd require a different bell housing and possibly other work, I'd like to keep the swap short and sweet. I could also just keep the 300 and hop it up, as there is really nothing wrong with it. A 460 is just plain overkill for what I want to do, and I'd like to keep or improve upon my (estimated) 14/14 mpg, not kill it.

Currently my ideal motor would be a stock roller 351w bottom end, with a cam, dual plane intake, gt-40 heads?, 600-650 carb, and some long tube headers.

Anyway thanks for bearing with me, I'd appreciate some opinions on the matter.

 

A 351 would be my choice and either one(C or W) would do if you have complete motors... but you can't argue with the upgrade potential of the Windsor platform.. there are literally hundreds of bolt-on upgrades you could do in the future to turn a mild daily driver into a fire breathing monster. I had a cammed 5.8EFI in my relatively heavy extended cab 4x4 and it reliably got close to 18mpg on the highway cruising at 70mph and did 13 city, that was with 3.55 gear, 31" tires, and an overdrive trans.

 

Ok, so if I did decide to go the 351w route, does anyone know what all exactly is involved? (besides the motor of course)

1) Seeing as this truck wasn't offered with the 351w, can I use the 302 mounts?

2) Will the 300 radiator work or will it be inadequate or have differently placed inlet/outlets?

3) I'm going to reuse my T-18 and bellhousing, but IIRC the Windsor is externally balanced (I know the Clevelands are) so I will need a weighted flywheel (since the 300 is neutral)?

4) Since I'm on a tight budget, I'd like to find a good set of GT-40 heads. I know they were available on the F-150 lightning 351w, but are they pretty much the same GT-40s that you will find on explorer 302s? (besides the GT-40p variant) Mostly this is in regard to combustion chamber size.

5) Or for the moderate power levels I'm after, would I even be ok with some other stock 351w heads?

Is there anything else that I'm overlooking?

 

Yes both engine use the same mounts but you'll also need the frame towers since they differ from those used with the I6.

Outlets are on opposite sides but you can make it work.

Yes, and the 351 has always had a 28oz imbalance.

They're the same head, the 302 version can be used if you bore out the bolt holes to 1/2".


The stock heads found on all '87+ 351/5.8's will produce 275hp.. with enough cam... which is about 260deg total duration, 480ish lift at the valve. (Comp Cams 35-238-3)