Quick swap

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Oct 13, 2016 | 06:59 PM

B.Les

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Joined: May 2015

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Quick swap

Ive got a '96 bronco with a 351. Its got 300k on the block and its started to eat itself, metal shavings etc. In my location its near impossible to find a 94 or later rolled block. And I have to pass emission testing where I am so I cant swap to a 5.0 without swapping electronics over too. However, older 351 blocks are a dime a dozen. The heads off my block are still good. If i get an older block, say an 80's model, and use my heads and all other parts, even though I lose the roller cam (not a big deal for me in this truck), will I run into anyother problems? I desperately need this truck back on the road. From the research I've done, I dont think there are any differences in the bottom end of the engine. Or at least any major difference that would matter. But before I dropped any money on buying an engine, I wanted to check with some other opinions first. Thanks.

Oct 13, 2016 | 07:11 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Yes the bottom end is essentially the same except for the cam so a flat tappet block would work but I'd suggest you change the cam in whatever block you get to something that is known to be EFI compliant to ensure you pass the emissions tests. Also note you can put a roller cam in an early block you just need to use linkbar roller lifters and you will likely need custom pushrods.