351w Build Question
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351w Build Question
So i've been throwing around the plan to build the 351 in my '89 F150 for a while now. my goals are to end up with a strong truck engine, nothing radical. i've put together small block chevy builds with good results but i'm new to building fords so i need some education on stock specs and limitations. i'm not planning on getting crazy with the cam but i need to replace the timing cover and while i have the front off i want to replace the timing set so obviously it would be the ideal time to slide a cam in. i'm not going to be able to do anything with the heads until summer but i would like to get the truck going again so i'd like to know the safe lift limitations on the stock heads. i feel like the cams i've been looking at will be ok but i'd like to have some real data to consider. i've also read about some piston/valve clearance issues to watch for on these engines so some info there would be nice as well...i've had a hard time finding any good information in my searching. thanks!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
There are two ways to approach this, the cheap way that stays within the limits of the stock EFI and fuel systems or a more radical build that replaces the stock EFI with a carb or a tunable MAF setup.
Unlike the SBC the stock heads on this motor are significantly undersized so the motor will never make more than about 280hp no matter what cam you put in it, but you will still get a healthy bump in torque and horespower from stock with a simple cam change and a complete exhaust including longtube headers.
To be compatible with the stock EFI system cam choices have to generate stock like vacuum signal so in general need 114deg LSA and no more than 210deg intake duration at 0.050" lift.
Unlike the SBC the stock heads on this motor are significantly undersized so the motor will never make more than about 280hp no matter what cam you put in it, but you will still get a healthy bump in torque and horespower from stock with a simple cam change and a complete exhaust including longtube headers.
To be compatible with the stock EFI system cam choices have to generate stock like vacuum signal so in general need 114deg LSA and no more than 210deg intake duration at 0.050" lift.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
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From: La Vergne, TN
So i've been throwing around the plan to build the 351 in my '89 F150 for a while now. my goals are to end up with a strong truck engine, nothing radical. i've put together small block chevy builds with good results but i'm new to building fords so i need some education on stock specs and limitations. i'm not planning on getting crazy with the cam but i need to replace the timing cover and while i have the front off i want to replace the timing set so obviously it would be the ideal time to slide a cam in. i'm not going to be able to do anything with the heads until summer but i would like to get the truck going again so i'd like to know the safe lift limitations on the stock heads. i feel like the cams i've been looking at will be ok but i'd like to have some real data to consider. i've also read about some piston/valve clearance issues to watch for on these engines so some info there would be nice as well...i've had a hard time finding any good information in my searching. thanks!
the stock E7 heads pretty wells suck... GT40/GT40P or aftermarket. aftermarket preferable.
Roller Rockers will be a nice addition.. but wait till you do the heads to do that.. this way you dont buy pedestal mounts for stock heads then the aftermarkets require stud. so you'd be buying 2 sets..
there arent much P/V clearance issues unless small chamber heads, zero decked block and complete flat top pistons and a HUGE camshaft.
a couple things you'll learn about building a SBF vs SBC.. no shimming the cam, nice big trustworthy bolts vs. the tiny *** bolts a SBC have.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The XE264 might be a bit too much for an SD motor and it's a roller while this motor is a native flat tappet so it would cost a lot more to install, the Comp 35-255-5 and Crane 444232 are better options IMO.
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Hey thanks for the good replies guys, I'm feeling reassured now. I failed to mention I'm planning to carb this truck so I'm just concerned with mechanical conflicts. I've been looking at cams in the 210 to 212 intake duration area and around .47 lift. Haven't settled in on anything yet but that's the ballpark. Anyway, thanks again for replies, I'll update once things start falling in place.
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