I have a 96 f150 with a 5.8L V8, I believe it is the 351 Windsor. I am wanting to know what kind of replacement engine will fit and give me a higher top speed and more power. I do realize that with this swap I will have to replace the entire drive train.

 

Gonna need some more info to get an accurate answer... I am not the expert, but what kind of power and speed are you looking for? What are you wanting to use the truck for that you need the extra power and speed?

 

These trucks are electronically speed limited so changing that is easy enough with a tuner.. not that these trucks are safe to drive at speeds above 90mph, and there is no need to replace the engine to get more horsepower you just need to build it up some.

 

You should just buy a Mustang.......These trucks are working vehicles, not hot-rods.

 

As these are vehicles for work, not sports cars, I assume the extra power is required for loads you're hauling or pulling. At that rate, you might quit while you're ahead and look for a F250 or F350 with a diesel. That would give you the additional power you need. Top speed should never enter into the equation, as well-laden trucks should be driven conservatively anyway.

 

As you are seeing, most of the members on here take the "Truck" part of "Ford Truck Enthusiasts" very seriously. That doesn't mean there aren't people making go-fast F-150s, both for street use, or for desert racing. If you're looking for that type of thing you might find more kindred spirits on a different forum, possibly even simply a different forum under FTE.

That said, yes, you have a 351 Windsor. The rest of your driveline is probably still pretty capable, especially if you have an automatic (the E4OD goes behind big blocks and turbo diesels too). The M5OD manual used in F-150s isn't exactly overkill, but then again, for a go-fast truck you probably wouldn't like the heavier shifting ZF5 either.

I don't know that there are any drop-in engine upgrades for you. The 460 big block is out there. I don't know what it would take to put that in an F-150. It would require a new trans (different bellhousing). And in stock form is a little truck-like too.

Building up the 351 is definitely possible, but it sounds like some of the factory computer controls are rather limiting. Still, the upper limit is really only determined by your checkbook. If I was looking for more top-end power in a 351 F-150, I think that's the way I'd go.

 

I'm just wanting to restore it down the road when I have the funds. The bigger engine isn't a must I'd be happy just dropping a new 351 into it. It's not going to be a hot rod, it's my tinker toy. Something the wife doesn't mind me having and working on, know what I mean?

 

I would also like to switch the transfer case from an electronic to an manual shifter for the 4X4 option.

 

I dont so much want a higher top speed. I like to go play in the mud with it every once in a while and I'd like the added power and torque to be able to pull myself through the mud. It'd also be nice to be able to help pull my friends out who get stuck Alot.

 

You have a good platform. it is a 96 so there is a good chance it is a roller motor. You will have to peek into the valley. For a half ton the 351 is as big as it gets from the factory. Lots of options for power. Just keep in mind you have to dyno tune any mods. Stroke it to 427 put on some afr heads and a trick flow track heat intake. Our a supercharger on it, the sky is the limit if your pockets are deep enough.

 

That part's easy. Just get a manual transfer case, linkage, shifter, and the short 2-wire harness for the 4x4/low-range switch. Cut the opening for the shifter in the floor, bolt everything in, and drive it! I did this exact swap. My electric case grenaded so I rebuilt a manual one and put that in instead. You can keep the auto hubs if you want, but I (and most others on here) don't recommend them since they tend to fail just when you need them most. A good set of manual hubs can be had for under $100.

As for making more power... it's an EFI 351. Parts everywhere, your wallet is the limit.