351w Towing mods

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May 18, 2003 | 08:08 PM

toolmantk

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From: Southern West Virginia

351w Towing mods

Hi All,

I have a few questions about upgrades to a stock 1984 351w 2bbl to make it a good towing engine for my '86 F-150 supercab 4x4. I pull a camper and the 302 that was in the truck when i bought it just isn't up to the task.

I have a Holley Pro Jection 2 injector TBI system that will flow up to 680cfm. I would like to use it on the 351w. Will the stock 2bbl aluminum intake do the job or will I need to go aftermarket. If so what type will be good for a towing application?

There are a bunch of cam/lifter sets available for trucks. What should I be looking for as far as duration and lift numbers for towing. Also some manufactures suggest new valve springs, do ineed 'em or not.

Finally, I want to install some headers to help things out on the exhaust end. I would prefer to get a set of shorty headers so my existing 2 1/4 dual exhaust will bolt up to where the 302 stock shortys were. Any recommedations on who makes a good set for improved towing torque?

Any advise would be great.

Thanks, Toolmantk.

May 19, 2003 | 12:34 PM

95 F150

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351w Towing mods

On my tow rig I used Ford racing stainless steel shorty headers with the stage 8 locking headers bolts. They have 1 1/2" primary tubes which maintain low end torque. They make a noticable power difference.

As far as the intake I would think an Edelbrock aluminum intake with a 4 barrel to 2 barrel adaptor would work pretty good. On the cam I think that less is more for a tow rig because you want to make your power down low.

Hope this helps ...Mike

May 20, 2003 | 04:37 AM

1993F150XL

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351w Towing mods

Quote:

Originally posted by toolmantk

Finally, I want to install some headers to help things out on the exhaust end. I would prefer to get a set of shorty headers so my existing 2 1/4 dual exhaust will bolt up to where the 302 stock shortys were. Any recommedations on who makes a good set for improved towing torque?

Even if you buy shorties for the 351w, your pipes will have to be redone, since the 351 is wider. I may be wrong, but I think the shorties are still better for a tow rig. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

May 20, 2003 | 09:27 AM

toolmantk

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From: Southern West Virginia

351w Towing mods

I've got my eye on a set of those summit shorty headers. They look like they are built pretty well. I can balst the paint off of them and ceramic coat them at work. (bonus of working for an airline) Still deciding on a cam. Thanks for the input.

May 20, 2003 | 11:44 AM

Momudder720

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From: House Springs, MO

351w Towing mods

If you want to go the el cheapo route (as I always do

) go and find yourself a set of used 86-92 factory 5.0 Mustang headers. They fit (with a bit of phenagling and custom 2 1/2 pipe bends, especially on the D. S.) just dandy in the bay and the price can't be beat ($40). It's probably be easier with 2 1/4 exhaust pipe...hindsight is always 20/20...

Jun 2, 2003 | 10:22 AM

Rockin

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351w Towing mods

As for the Intake system, most 302s will flow 650cfm, so it may be better to go a little bigger depending on your cam. I've heard some horror stories with the Holley Pro-Jection set up when it came to idling and fuel mixtures. For the cam, you should go with a high-lift/short duration( at least .500 on the lift, the duration I cannot really remember without consulting my "books" I've seen lift go as high as .560" but keeping the duration short will keep the motor from losing compression as it spins). That'll make more torque and I'm assuming your running an automatic transmission. Lastly, for the headers, you'll need a set up specifically made for a 302 to 351w conversion. Since the wider spread of the 351 will change the angle to which they connect to the exhaust pipes. Also a 2 and half inch exhaust would probably make the 351w breathe easier. A note, some headers, even shorties, will change where the torque is made in the rpm band and a ring and pinion or torque convertor change may be necessary. As for whether or not to go with 1 1/2 inch primaries or 1 5/8 inch primaries on the headers, this depends on the cam.

Jun 2, 2003 | 09:20 PM

84Maztang

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From: Cheyenne

351w Towing mods

My Dad had two Projection Units on top of his '70 455 olds 442. They Suck. They are more headache then they are worth. They are a stupid speed density system just like the 83 5.0.
Ford made the best system out there in 89 when they went to MAF!!! And hey, Holley STILL sells Speed density systems, allbeit to stupid Chevy Guys!!! For what that Projection cost you could have had a stock MAF system off of a wrecked 5.0
Also, ANY mods you do to it, you have to send the chip in and have it reburned, 'caus it cant 'learn' like a MAF meter allows an engine to do.
You can still run right out TODAY and buy a 2003 Chevy truck with the same Technology under the hood as an 1983 Mercury Grand Marqui! Ughhhh don't get me started!!!