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They were basically made in different years, but also have some changes in components, like heads, castings, etc. I believe the 96 Lightning truck has a 351W. The name of the engine is also where it supposedly was produced, i.e., Cleveland, Windsor, and Midland (not "modified"). There is quite a bit of HP & torque difference between models as well. There's several websites with gobs of info on these V-8's.
Keep the bottom end stock but don't cut costs on the parts. Focus your work on the heads and intake, as well as the computer. I've heard of some folks doing Mass Air conversion and the like.
Yea, I'v got 171,000 miles on it now. I installed a superchip, electric fans, pulley kit, headers ( shorties ) , cat back, a shift kit (I can't hardly feel the difference) and a cold air K and N intake. But I still remember driving my dads 1970 station wagon 20 years ago with a 351 clv. 2 barrel heads and a 2 barrel carb. That thing moved. I still feel like either the engine is getting tired, or something is still missing. So keep the bottom stock, don't go cheap on parts, and concentrate on the top end. What do you think about roller rockers and up grading the heads, I'm I looking for trouble or will I still be ok?
Anything you can afford to do with the heads and valvetrain will help the motor breathe better=more power. A quart of Lucas oil with your next oil change may get you by for awhile. Look for a good engine builder near you to help select the parts for the rebuild.
try connecting the coolant lines that run to your throtle body together in other words get rid of the hot water running through some thing you want cold....... I think the word is bypass and it works!
Thanks guys, I'm gonna start doing my homework about the top end engine upgrade long with the rest of the rebuild. Someone with a 96 lightening pickup sold me something I didn't quite understsand. He said he didn't waste anytime, first thing he did was regrind the heads and I guess the valves for more compression. He did this as soon as he got it from the factory. Something about flatening them out. Was this wise in terms of longjivity or just a quick short term thrill? Thanks. Double D