Is there any switching of electronics required when I swap in a 351, especially a roller?

 

Nope. Nothing in the wiring. All you need to do is get a computer that matches your transmission and bolt it in. It will run on the 302 computer but just won't have its full potential.

 

How much does an ECM for the 351 run?

 

Call the parts store and check.
Junkyard is like 25-50 bucks.

 

I wouldn't bother buying a parts store PCM. At that point you are better off picking up a quarterhorse and tuning it.

 

Would that require swapping from SD to MAF?

 

Doing what?

Sent from my Telegraph using IB AutoGroup

 

SD= speed density
MAF= mass air flow

He was wondering if quarterhorse will work on a speed density computer, or if he would need to swap to mass air.

I believe quarterhorse works on sd. You would have to research the computer codes of what is compatible. You're limited more, but at least you would be able to tune it.

 

I wasn't sure if he was asking about using the QH or swapping the 351 ECU.

You can use the quarterhorse with speed density provided that you find the correct strategy for that ECU. I don't think you will find much out there for support on the forums though.

 

Strategy? I'm so lost with this electronics stuff.

 

The code on the computer case.
It's like a model number.

 

And each different model number controls the engine differently?

 

You're overthinking this.
It's just slight changes in tuning. Like emissions and fuel trims.
They are all compatible with each other, as long as engine and trans combo is correct. So any sd 351 e4od computer can be interchanged with any other sd 351 e4od computer. Even though the strategy or ecu code is different.

 

Now it makes sense. I'm beginning to think about building a 302 since there's hardly and 351s in the area, and the ones I can find are way overpriced. I'm just worried about sacrificing bottom end. And I know it almost seems backwards to build something that doesn't have near the potential of the 351 but I don't want to wait forever to get going. I'm thinking I'm gonna go 302 if the price is right.

 

Well I found a freshly machined with papers complete 302 with an Edelbrock cam with cam card for $350. Sound like a fair deal?