84 F150 Engine Swap
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84 F150 Engine Swap
I have a 4WD shortbed that has been in my family since it was new.
351W/4V finally crapped out on me after 93k miles.
Auto trans and Xfer case are still working fine.
What engines and/or year models would be an easy swap to get the old girl back on the road?
Thanks!
351W/4V finally crapped out on me after 93k miles.
Auto trans and Xfer case are still working fine.
What engines and/or year models would be an easy swap to get the old girl back on the road?
Thanks!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The 302, 351W, and the 300 six are the ones that bolt to that transmission. Or, I should say to the bolt pattern that transmission has, as that transmission came with other patterns.
Of those engines the 302 isn't known for having a lot of torque, which is important for a truck. Were it me I would either rebuild the 351W or find another one in good shape. They have a good balance of power and economy, but so does the big six. The only issues with the six would be engine perches and radiator, IIRC. The perches are different for the six, and the coolant connections are on the other side so you also need a different radiator.
Of those engines the 302 isn't known for having a lot of torque, which is important for a truck. Were it me I would either rebuild the 351W or find another one in good shape. They have a good balance of power and economy, but so does the big six. The only issues with the six would be engine perches and radiator, IIRC. The perches are different for the six, and the coolant connections are on the other side so you also need a different radiator.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 698
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From: Norman, Ar
It has plenty enough power and torque to do most things.
If you don't want to rebuild it yourself, You can get a new or rebuilt LONG BLOCK from a REPUTABLE builder.
You will save yourself a lot of time and money by not having to change a lot of things around.
Another option would be to get a new COMPLETE ENGINE. More money but everything is new.
Several options, but keeping it as is with the same type of motor will be much simpler.
Just throwing in my opinion. Good Luck to you. Trav.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
If you plan on keeping the truck, I would rebuild or replace the 351.
It has plenty enough power and torque to do most things.
If you don't want to rebuild it yourself, You can get a new or rebuilt LONG BLOCK from a REPUTABLE builder.
You will save yourself a lot of time and money by not having to change a lot of things around.
Another option would be to get a new COMPLETE ENGINE. More money but everything is new.
Several options, but keeping it as is with the same type of motor will be much simpler.
Just throwing in my opinion. Good Luck to you. Trav.
It has plenty enough power and torque to do most things.
If you don't want to rebuild it yourself, You can get a new or rebuilt LONG BLOCK from a REPUTABLE builder.
You will save yourself a lot of time and money by not having to change a lot of things around.
Another option would be to get a new COMPLETE ENGINE. More money but everything is new.
Several options, but keeping it as is with the same type of motor will be much simpler.
Just throwing in my opinion. Good Luck to you. Trav.
Trav - Reps to you for that. And, I'm glad you figured out how to quote a post. Good job!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 698
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From: Norman, Ar
I am trying to learn how to navigate on a forum. I guess with patience and time I will learn a little.
Thanks to all of you on FTE for your expertise and understanding. Trav
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 4
So, the question is, what was the total mileage when she died? 200k?
I'd take that motor and have them rebuild the bottom end, do the heads, put in a towing cam, and call it a day.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Welcome to FTE!
I just performed a swap of a 351w from my 84 to another 351w. Everything was simple as far as engine swaps go...
I'd be very careful and take whatever lengths you can to use your existing engine, if possible. If not, finding an engine with a matching VIN code is going to be key (and will likely make rebuilding the more cost effective option).
This is for emissions reasons- If you pick a matching engine that has the necessary extra ports drilled in the backs of the heads, etc then it'll be a direct replacement. If you choose to eliminate the emissions system (illegal, but common) then you have other things to consider, such as wiring in the ignition and removing the old emissions pigtail/computer. A lot of this just depends on how far into it you want to go and what the laws are in your local area.
I just performed a swap of a 351w from my 84 to another 351w. Everything was simple as far as engine swaps go...
I'd be very careful and take whatever lengths you can to use your existing engine, if possible. If not, finding an engine with a matching VIN code is going to be key (and will likely make rebuilding the more cost effective option).
This is for emissions reasons- If you pick a matching engine that has the necessary extra ports drilled in the backs of the heads, etc then it'll be a direct replacement. If you choose to eliminate the emissions system (illegal, but common) then you have other things to consider, such as wiring in the ignition and removing the old emissions pigtail/computer. A lot of this just depends on how far into it you want to go and what the laws are in your local area.
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