351 Lightning question
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Edmonton Canada
351 Lightning question
Does anybody know if the 93 Lightning's computer will show a code if the automatic tranny is swapped for a stick. The reason I ask is, I'm putting a 351 in my '92 Nite replacing the 302. I would like to retain the 5 speed thats in there now. I beleive my truck is quicker with a stick(stock 302, bolt ons, 15.8 quarter mile, 3.08 gears) than it would be with an auto. I will be buying a '93 lightning computer to use with the new engine. Just wondering if it will work ok with a stick or what I can do to get around it. 
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: North Dakota
You have other problems - the 302 came with the Mazda M5OD tranny - light duty stuff. The Lightning 351W will tear that tranny up pretty quick unless you plan on driving like a granny all the time...
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Edmonton Canada
Thanks.... Are you sure about the tranny? Looking at it, it's a big tranny, it must be stronger than the T5's. Worst case scenario, I'll build an E4OD for it. I'm really concearned about the computer not seeing a tranny there, in case of a standard. Also, I'm guessing, but not 100% sure, this '93 Lightning computer should plug right in to my harness, but I wonder about the extra wires that go to the E4OD for tranny control. I probably don't have those in my harness....That's why I'm wondering if the computer will send a code?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
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From: Ashland City, TN
the 351 shouldn't cause a problem with m5od.
The easiest way to figure out your trany here is if 1st gear is slow or fast.
if you can go about 25-30 in first gear, you have m5od.
The m5od is not built for hauling.
I do belive you can get an m5od with a 351, i'm not sure on that though.
i dont see why 351 would cause a problem.]
e4od all granny. go get a ZF if your going to go through that trouble man.
or spend the money and get zf 6 speed.
its like power, with highway caipability! hahah.
The easiest way to figure out your trany here is if 1st gear is slow or fast.
if you can go about 25-30 in first gear, you have m5od.
The m5od is not built for hauling.
I do belive you can get an m5od with a 351, i'm not sure on that though.
i dont see why 351 would cause a problem.]
e4od all granny. go get a ZF if your going to go through that trouble man.
or spend the money and get zf 6 speed.
its like power, with highway caipability! hahah.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Calhoun GA
That PCM will throw a tranny code but won't affect the way the motor runs. There are two "system switches" that can be turned off with a chip and that'll solve that problem. I've been drag racing for quite some time, and a mildly built automatic tranny WILL shift faster/harder than any manual tranny; they're also more consistant for track times.
I run a Vortech SQ and lots of other go-fast parts on my GEN 1 L, and the E4OD shifts quick and firm pass after pass.
I run a Vortech SQ and lots of other go-fast parts on my GEN 1 L, and the E4OD shifts quick and firm pass after pass.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: North Dakota
Originally Posted by engineguy
Thanks.... Are you sure about the tranny? Looking at it, it's a big tranny, it must be stronger than the T5's. Worst case scenario, I'll build an E4OD for it.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Edmonton Canada
I'll take your guys word for it, but still do some research on it. It just seems weird, it's a large sized tranny, but weak. I do drive aggressivly and race it at the local track off and on, but no power shifts. I'm curious if I use my factory 302 computer with the 351 if it will run Ok if I bump the fuel pressure up 10 or 15 psi. I'm guessing the fuel and spark maps must be sorta close to each other......Mabye..
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Calhoun GA
The 302 PCM should run fine with the 351, but the Lightning PCM's have more of an aggressive tune on them...they're kind of like the A9 series PCM's of the truck world.
I wouldn't worry about the tranny you have in there now....just run it until it breaks. Then go buy yourself one of those bullet-proof E4OD's from Factory Tech.
I wouldn't worry about the tranny you have in there now....just run it until it breaks. Then go buy yourself one of those bullet-proof E4OD's from Factory Tech.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Edmonton Canada
That's what I'll probably end up doing. Another thing is possibly doing the mass air conversion to take advantage of the higher volumetric efficiency. The tranny I'll run till it blows then switch... 