I posted this under engine swaps but i thought I would try and get some multiple opinions on this.

Currently I got a 1990 F-250 with the 302 EFI and manual 4 speed that has some monster low gearing. (not original but what was in the truck when i got it.) I just purchased a 1989 E-350 Van with a 351 EFI and an auto tranny in it. I want to do an engine swap to hook my ride up with some more power with out getting too wild.

I have a few questions though.

What brackets need to be changed will any from the van or the 302 work on the 351?

I was told the bell-housing should match right up, but will the clutch and that match up or do i need a new flywheel and clutch.

How hard is changing the wiring and the computer over, or is it plug and play?

Finally the 351 has about 75000+ miles on it so I thinking of rebuilding it before putting it in. Good Idea right? Also what kind of mods are the best for getting every ounce of power out of it while it still passes the emessions, and doesn't break this college kids small budget.

I am thinking about putting a 3-4" body lift on it for some 33" tires. I did not want to lift the suspension to much b/c I still want to be able to tow with it. I saw that if I use stock F-350 Suspension I could get 2" out of the suspension. Is it worth the body or the suspension lift?

Thanks for all the info, I want to know if going ahead with the swap is a good idea and what kind of parts to be gathering while I am away at school.
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The brackets and accessories off the 302 should fit the 351. The existing van accessories may have funky mountings.

You have an awkward choice in computers. If you keep the 351 computer, it is right for the engine but wrong for the trans. It will set the check engine light with numerous trans codes. If you keep the 302 computer, it won't complain about the manual trans, but the fuel calculations will be off due to the difference in displacement. Some say the 302 computer works OK anyway. A MAF conversion to the 302 computer is one option to set things right.

Modern EFI engines typically go 150000+ miles before needing a rebuild. Unless you want to do the rebuild for recreation, I wouldn't bother. Check the compression, inspect for any problems due to the engine sitting (rust in cylinders, water in oil pan). If it looks good, run it the way it is.

 

You'll only have to worry about the tranny/engine computer stuff from above if the tranny in the van is computer controlled. If not, you're good to go. If the tranny is overdrive, it has a computer. If not, it's a C6, which aren't electronic.

The rebuild is up to you. If have the $$ and time to blow on it, then go for it. If not, check the motor out and drop it in.

 

Don't know about Ohio, but emissions prevents installing an earlier year engine in a vehicle. It may not affect you.
Tex