302-351 Engine Swapping Question...
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Joined: Oct 2004
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302-351 Engine Swapping Question...
Hey guys, my 302 in my '91 F-150 doesn't have compression in one of its cylinders. I'm aware that this could be for a large number of reasons, but my best guess is (since there was a lump of metal on the bottom of the spark plug for that cylinder) that I blew a hole through the cylinder. Hopefully this isn't the case, and I'm looking into what the case is right now, but if it is then I might as well swap it out for a 351 windsor. My friend told me however that this would be more difficult than I suspect, and that certain parts wouldn't match up right. I'm no expert when it comes to swapping out an engine, but I would think its possible. Could anyone tell me what, if anything, would keep me from swapping in a 351? Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Calhoun GA
I don't think you will run into any major problems with that swap...many have done it before. The exhaust may need to be modified being that the 351 is a bit wider. The PCM will run it too, but if you can get the one that goes with the 5.8 you're using, then great. One of the things you may want to look for is an F4TE casting number. Is means that the block is drilled and tapped to accept a spider for a roller cam conversion. If you decide to go with a roller cam then you'll need to change out the distributor gear to a steel one. The gear can be purchased and pressed on, or you can buy a distributor assembly for a 96 or early 97 5.8 and it'll already be on there. I think they're only 90 bucks from Auto Zone.
Last edited by Blurry94; Oct 12, 2004 at 07:29 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Jersey
Blurry is right, its not a complicated swap. YOu will need the 351 manifolds, flywheel, clutch etc in order to do the swap. The great thing about the swap is the F-series could be had with a 351W, so all the parts are available from dealers, autozone, and ebay. It will bolt right in.
There are enough 5.8L cars and trucks in junkyards, you can get most of the parts you need. I'd use a new clutch and new motor mounts, new water pump and new oil pump as a minimum however, just to be safe.
There are enough 5.8L cars and trucks in junkyards, you can get most of the parts you need. I'd use a new clutch and new motor mounts, new water pump and new oil pump as a minimum however, just to be safe.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Yeah I'm actually doing the swap right now. The bracketry should bolt right up, you can re-use the manifolds but it would be a good time to get some headers, and a new y-pipe, bassani has some nice ones. A quick search on our site will pull up a lot of info on this swap...it's been talked about many times.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Middle of the Rockies
<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 2025934" vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 align=middle width=125>MustangGT221</TD><TD class=alt2>Yeah I'm actually doing the swap right now.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Mustang - I hope you are taking pictures, notes etc. What computer are you using? Any major difficulties so far? What did you get the donor motor out of? (I want to do the same)
Mustang - I hope you are taking pictures, notes etc. What computer are you using? Any major difficulties so far? What did you get the donor motor out of? (I want to do the same)
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Nebraska
Originally Posted by MustangGT221
you can re-use the manifolds
