Which ford engine to use
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: McKean, PA
I went the 351W with my build. I used many parts I had left over from my 302 mustang motor. I had to get the 351 Intake but the heads and water pump are from the 302. I didn't have any problems finding what I needed for it if I didn't already have them. I would agree though that 302 parts are easily had if needed and you can stroke the 302 to provide as much if not more HP then the 351 if that matters.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Ford bashing on a Ford Truck forum seems uncalled for, in my opinion.
Can't we all just get along?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
If the chevy is running why not leave it? Far easier to walk into any parts store and find chevy parts, much greater interchange on parts, and most any mechanic over 25 knows how to work on em. Only reason I see to change it out is for ego/peer pressure and/or because you have money to burn. (donning flame suit...) Even if the CSB in my truck blew up another one would go right back in, (especially since a good one could be quickly found, be inexpensive, and even a late model LS would bolt right in and be up and running in no time). Haters be dmaned!
We are putting a 4.6 3V with 3650 5 speed stick in Gary's 52 right now. Incompatibilities are rampant in Ford engines, I recently did some quick research on the Ford "mod" motors and was shocked at how many incompatible variants Ford built, there's nothing modular about them except bore spacing. PATS has made using a salvage late model Ford motor an almost impossible task. If going Ford, I'd stick with a pushrod engine if you can find one that hasn't been 'rode hard and put up wet". It's been discovered that many of the 351W blocks were from the factory or have developed cracks around the cam bearing journals.
We are putting a 4.6 3V with 3650 5 speed stick in Gary's 52 right now. Incompatibilities are rampant in Ford engines, I recently did some quick research on the Ford "mod" motors and was shocked at how many incompatible variants Ford built, there's nothing modular about them except bore spacing. PATS has made using a salvage late model Ford motor an almost impossible task. If going Ford, I'd stick with a pushrod engine if you can find one that hasn't been 'rode hard and put up wet". It's been discovered that many of the 351W blocks were from the factory or have developed cracks around the cam bearing journals.
Lots of parts interchange with the 4.6 its just the 3v is a ******* motor that was in production for what 5 years? With that said I'm not a fan of the mod motors and can't understand why ford even went with the 4.6 2v sohc when the 4v dohc was produced around the same time and made 280-290hp in a choked up lincoln in 93 or why not just upgrade the 302 and 351. The 351w is a bulletproof motor and the block can take 7-800hp. What google search did you read where there was a major journal problem?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 966
Likes: 26
From: Missouri
Like I said for now I will keep the 350 until I get other things done. Thank you guys for all the comments. If I get around to putting a ford in it, I am leaning towards the 302. Good engine and should get a little better gas mileage then the 351.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,288
Likes: 1,053
From: NM
I remember when the 4.6's first came out, reading in Ward's that the 4.6 was 25% more fuel efficient and something like 30% lower emissions than the Windsors. I have no love for them but they have their strong points.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 387
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
I bought a 97 f150 way back with a 4.6 and it made 220hp and got 12 mpg. Motor never gave me a lick of trouble though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 7
From: Sweden (Fagersta)
" I want to change it back to a ford"
That´s why..................
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Ga.
I bought a 97 tbird new with the 4.6 and it still gets around 23MPG around town. Plenty of hp and the only problem I have ever had was the plastic intake manifold split, but it was covered under warranty.
If you are going with a stock motor I would go with the 351W, If you are going to build it I would go with the 302.
" I want to change it back to a ford" ===> The only reason that matters
Just my opinion, hope it helps
If you are going with a stock motor I would go with the 351W, If you are going to build it I would go with the 302.
" I want to change it back to a ford" ===> The only reason that matters
Just my opinion, hope it helps
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
That's exactly right, my dad has a nice 1940 ford truck with a 472 cadillac engine that he built 15 years ago. He has always regretted a little not keeping it all ford. I didn't want that to happen to me down the road so I chose to pony up and spend more money to have the ford engine I wanted. Its personal preference either way but at least I won't have regrets later down the road.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 146
From: Goulburn, NSW
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as they say.
Chev, Ford, Mopar, they are all pink inside.
I've got a SBC in mine and it would take a ton of work to get it back to a Ford mill. And for what purpose? To ease peer pressure?
You cannot please everyone. Just please yourself.
Chev, Ford, Mopar, they are all pink inside.
I've got a SBC in mine and it would take a ton of work to get it back to a Ford mill. And for what purpose? To ease peer pressure?
You cannot please everyone. Just please yourself.
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