Swap out 351M for 300 inline
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Freshman User
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From: Off Grid, BC
Swap out 351M for 300 inline
Hello all,
Before I post in the "Inline" forum, I thought I'd ask the general population out there!
As you can see in my signature, my '79 F350 4x4 has a 351M. I'd love to put a diesel in its place, but I think I'm leaning towards a 300 six banger for an easier swap.
The local want ads show a few for sale, but they are either stand-alone engines or come with an automatic. So, my question is...
What bellhousing will I need to mate a 300 to my T-18? Will the current bellhousing on the 351M bolt up? What about the flywheel...the starter...?
Any advice appreciated!
Before I post in the "Inline" forum, I thought I'd ask the general population out there!
As you can see in my signature, my '79 F350 4x4 has a 351M. I'd love to put a diesel in its place, but I think I'm leaning towards a 300 six banger for an easier swap.
The local want ads show a few for sale, but they are either stand-alone engines or come with an automatic. So, my question is...
What bellhousing will I need to mate a 300 to my T-18? Will the current bellhousing on the 351M bolt up? What about the flywheel...the starter...?
Any advice appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: like subarctic, brrr man!
I know the 302 and 300 share the bellhousing pattern, but as for other engines, I donno.
The flywheel balance might be another concern and the starter would have to be the manual type. I upgraded from the big ol' one to a newer gear reduction to clear the walker y pipe.
The flywheel balance might be another concern and the starter would have to be the manual type. I upgraded from the big ol' one to a newer gear reduction to clear the walker y pipe.
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Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, your current bell housing wont bolt up to a 300. It will bolt up to a 460 though, and that is a popular swap so there is tons of info about it. If you are stuck on the 300 though (nothing wrong with that, it is a super stout motor) then a small block ford bell housing is in order. You could always pull a 5 speed from a newer truck as well, if you want the overdrive gear, since you have to pull the trans anyway. One other option you have is to purchase a parts truck. You can usually find a beat up/rusty 300 6 truck for pretty cheap. then you have all the parts you could need for the swap. And if you really want to get adventurous, you could buy an 88 or newer truck with the 6 cylinder and have fuel injection. just a few thoughts. Again welcome, and good luck on whatever you decide.
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I did this, all you'll need is the small block bellhousing, the 300 flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, Motor mount towers, the 300 and 302 share the same starter so you're fine there, and a radiator. well, I guess you could get away with longer hoses. If you swap in a 300 radiator you'll need to make a few extensions for the mounts, then some sheetmetal to go on the side to fill in the gap that the smaller rad will leave.
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351m to 300. You are doing this for what reason? Is the 351m worn out and you have a good running 300 for free?
If you are trying to gain mpgs, you will be disappointed.
Power wise they are about the same.
IMO more trouble than it's worth.
If you are trying to gain mpgs, you will be disappointed.
Power wise they are about the same.
IMO more trouble than it's worth.
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He wont be disappointend with the mpg, I went from 10-12 with the 351m to 18-22 with the 300 in mine.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Off Grid, BC
Thanks for the responses.
So, clutch/flywheel assembly from a 300, rad from 300 or different hoses on existing rad, and bellhousing from a small-block. Will 300 mounts/towers use the same location on the frame as the 351M? Will probably need a longer carb cable? Wiring differences?
Jon351m...what vehicle did you swap the 300 into?
So, clutch/flywheel assembly from a 300, rad from 300 or different hoses on existing rad, and bellhousing from a small-block. Will 300 mounts/towers use the same location on the frame as the 351M? Will probably need a longer carb cable? Wiring differences?
Jon351m...what vehicle did you swap the 300 into?
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I swapped it into my 78 F150. Its a 2wd. I kept the stock 2.79 rear gears and swapped in a 3 speed column shift while I was at it. (shoulda gone t18)
Before you say you cant compare the 2wd to 4wds,
Ive got a close friend who lived with me for a while that has an 81 4x4 with a 302 and a t18 and hes also getting 18-22. Hes got 3.00:1 gears in his axles and runs 31s. I tuned his truck and drove it myself several weeks so I know what its capable of.
A light foot, advanced timing, running as lean as possibly safe, driving via vacuum gauge, and an overall change of driving style, can net you some good numbers.
I would imagine 15-18 not being out of the realm for an f350 if its tuned and driven with economy in mind.
Wiring was the same. You'll need the throttle cable adapter that bolts to the cab. I cant remember if I needed the gas pedal itself or not. The motor mount towers will use the same exact holes.
Before you say you cant compare the 2wd to 4wds,
Ive got a close friend who lived with me for a while that has an 81 4x4 with a 302 and a t18 and hes also getting 18-22. Hes got 3.00:1 gears in his axles and runs 31s. I tuned his truck and drove it myself several weeks so I know what its capable of.
A light foot, advanced timing, running as lean as possibly safe, driving via vacuum gauge, and an overall change of driving style, can net you some good numbers.
I would imagine 15-18 not being out of the realm for an f350 if its tuned and driven with economy in mind.
Wiring was the same. You'll need the throttle cable adapter that bolts to the cab. I cant remember if I needed the gas pedal itself or not. The motor mount towers will use the same exact holes.
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From: Off Grid, BC
Thanks, Jon351m.
I've got 4.10s in the diffs...might end up swapping those out as I have access to 3.55s in a parts truck. Not a huge difference, but heading in the right direction! I still need enough gearing for pulling steep grades around here.
Cheers,
I've got 4.10s in the diffs...might end up swapping those out as I have access to 3.55s in a parts truck. Not a huge difference, but heading in the right direction! I still need enough gearing for pulling steep grades around here.
Cheers,
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The 3.55s would be nice. I wish I had 3.00s in mine compared to the 2.79s. Im at 2000rpm at 60mph, right where the torque peaks.
Once you get off the main roads, there are quite a few hills around here. Theres several going to the racetrack I frequent and the truck never has a problem long as I keep up the momentum. Think the truck, trailer, gear, and car total to about 10k lbs.
With the old 351m and c6 Id have to downshift to make it up them. Then again that 351m was kinda tired.
Once you get off the main roads, there are quite a few hills around here. Theres several going to the racetrack I frequent and the truck never has a problem long as I keep up the momentum. Think the truck, trailer, gear, and car total to about 10k lbs.
With the old 351m and c6 Id have to downshift to make it up them. Then again that 351m was kinda tired.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: SOUTHBURY CT
Roy,i am in the middle of doing this, 79 f250 4x4 pulled out the 351m, what are you using for engine towers ?
do you or anyone have pictures and info on the correct engine towers for a 6 to go into a 4x4 frame? thanks Will
do you or anyone have pictures and info on the correct engine towers for a 6 to go into a 4x4 frame? thanks Will
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
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From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
Welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, your current bell housing wont bolt up to a 300. It will bolt up to a 460 though, and that is a popular swap so there is tons of info about it. If you are stuck on the 300 though (nothing wrong with that, it is a super stout motor) then a small block ford bell housing is in order. You could always pull a 5 speed from a newer truck as well, if you want the overdrive gear, since you have to pull the trans anyway. One other option you have is to purchase a parts truck. You can usually find a beat up/rusty 300 6 truck for pretty cheap. then you have all the parts you could need for the swap. And if you really want to get adventurous, you could buy an 88 or newer truck with the 6 cylinder and have fuel injection. just a few thoughts. Again welcome, and good luck on whatever you decide.
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From: Off Grid, BC
Winginit...I haven't started yet...just putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Hopefully, someone who has done this before can post a pic or add their two cents.
When you say you're "in the middle of it"...where exactly is that? Your frame and mine are likely similar. Even though my truck is registered as a 1979, it's a mix of pieces from 77.5 to 79...and the frame is from a 78 F250 4x4...just like yours. What transmission are you planning on using?
When you say you're "in the middle of it"...where exactly is that? Your frame and mine are likely similar. Even though my truck is registered as a 1979, it's a mix of pieces from 77.5 to 79...and the frame is from a 78 F250 4x4...just like yours. What transmission are you planning on using?
Last edited by royster69; Oct 2, 2014 at 07:50 PM. Reason: grammer