Got my truck running finally after a 5.0L to 5.8L Swap. Has a new engine, lots of new parts all over it including all of the ignition parts except the coil but it was a fairly new replacement already. The injectors are not new and the intake is not new. I used a 5.8L computer and I finally got the truck running yesterday. It does not seem to have much get up and go though. Seems sluggish compared to what I expected. Where should I look for issues? I set the timing to about 12 degrees with the spout connector out and then I put the spout back in place. I will double check that though to be sure later, The exhaust is mostly new and there is no converter in place. The EGR is not hooked up (the electrical plug is though) but it is blocked from the intake. It is new as well. I have a new IAC, new TPS, new distributor, wires and spark plugs. I also did away with the smog pump and bypassed it with a shorter belt. I am thinking I may buy some new fuel injectors and try to replace them pretty soon since they are the only thing that is still old but not sure that is my issue. It doesnt exactly run rough but isnt perfectly smooth either if that makes sense. Oh and I have no check engine lights.

 

Regardless of the Check Engine Light status, run the KOEO tests and Stored Code (CM) codes.

 

I have not run codes yet. Been busy trying to get it started and running. I have a code scanner tool for these older trucks somewhere in the garage, just need to find it.

 

Was going to check codes last night but found a problem that could be my issue before I even got that far. Didnt notice with the timing light on but without the light watching under the hood I noticed the balancer is wobbling a little. I have a suspicion it has moved enough that the timing is not set where I think it is. I shut it down till I can get another one. Will try to hit the pick a part this weekend and see if I can find one in descent shape. I have a feeling the timing is set way off and that is why the throttle response is crap.

 

Buy a NEW balancer. Particularly if the old is wobbly. Even the cheapest new import junk is better than used in this instance. Not the place to cheap out.

 

Not going to cheap out but have also spent a lot on this project so far. I will see what I can come up with at the pick a part first. Have run a lot of junkyard balancers on mustangs spinning 8k rpm before without any issues. As long as the rubber separator is in good shape it will be ok on a truck that never sees more than 4k rpm very often. I will make sure its in good shape. May buy one new if I dont see one that looks like its in good shape but right now I have to stop throwing money at this truck.

 

That will do it...

 

Are you using the correct firing order?

If you had an earlier (non-HO) 302, the 351W firing order is different.

 

Of course I am. Have had that firing order memorized for 30+ years, The non HO firing order I would have to look up but yes, definitely using the correct 13726548 firing order.

 

Cool.. Have to ask. It's a pretty common issue, along with swapping cams and not matching the firing order to the cam.

Is the 351 a rebuild, or was it an already running engine you just swapped in?

 

Its a rebuilt short block and fairly recently rebuilt heads.