Gentlemen, the easiest way is to simply look where the water pump bolts to the block right under the head.

If there is aprox. an inch of space between that bolt boss and the head it is a 351.

If the head looks like it's right on top of that bolt/boss it is a 302.

 

If it is a 5.8 the tube from the EGR will run straight down to the passenger side exhaust manifold. If it is a 5.0 it will run back along the engine, i don't know where to but that is how I tell quickly at a junkyard.

Gurahl, and his Bronc'nstein

 

all the 302's ive seen only say ford fuelinjection on the upper intake..the 351's say 5.8 efi...now another way to look is take onea ur head bolts out and measure the diameter, 5.8l= 1/2 and the 302 is like 15/32's orsumthin. and as for the oil pans, from what ive heard there different. ive got a 5.8 and 5.0 and neither ofem had anything other then ford stamped on the valve covers. course there both efi so that may make a difference.

 

This is a for sure thing as 5.8L did not use this at all. Also they don't use a power steering pump pressure switch on the line.-Bob

And if someone put a 302 in there they would have to fab up a harness for the knock sensor and pressure switch.

 

Wow, all this when all that needs to be done is look at the area where the block meets the head..............pulling head bolts, checking for knock sensors you guys are a stubborn bunch.

 

But its fun making the job more difficult than it needs to be!

 

 

6 of 12--- 1/2 dozen of another.

What's the difference if you look at the water pump in front or look at the rear of the engine to see a sensor? . Just do one of them to get your answer.

 

It's cool.
To be honest, I've worked on/owned both and I'm not 100% sure I could identify the knock sensor right off. But you're right, I would attempt to do that before pulling a head bolt. (I would still check the deck heighth first, though )

BTW, if anyone still cares, the pan rails are wider on a 351........so I'm kinda of thinking that if a 302 oil pan gasket fits...........if it walks like a duck, etc........... it must be a duck.

 

Hi All,
I looked as best I could at what you all mentioned and it actually looks like I have the original engine..351W...I wanted to post some pics of the engine below plus the stircker which I cleaned off one of the valve covers...but I am still trying to figure oout how to add pictures..

 

Put the photos in your gallery, or if you have them on another website just post the link.

 

Good Suggestion,
I just added three pictures to my gallery, the first being the sticker that is on the drivers side valve cover....

 

Do you know it's the original engine, or you just think someone swapped in something else. If it's the original, just check the VIN # to find out what engine it came with.

 

The 1990 Bronco came with a 5.8 accorsing to the window sticker which I still have....and the sticker said that the engine manufacture was 1990 so I am assuming it is the original 5.8L

 

i agree with broncoroadkill, best bet measure the lower intake between the heads a 351 is wider than a 302 it is also alittle taller.