I have an 351W I'm thinking of putting in my f-150. What does it take to put a roller cam in a 351. Can you use the same roller kits like the 302's or is there a difference. Also will I notice any effects if I lower the compression to 8 to 8.5. Considering a supercharger later.

 

You should be able to use either the aftermarket or retrofit kits, including the cam (retrofit kit uses stock parts but with a smaller base circle cam so that the lifters will sit down in the bore further.) Either way can be pricey but if you're a good scrounge you can save a few bucks, check out Ebay or our own classifieds for used parts.

Dropping the compression before you add the 'charger will drop the power noticably, but at least you can run regular gas, maybe bump the timing up a bit to help compensate. I wouldn't do it unless you're sure you're going to add a 'charger.

 

Check the casting # on the block, just above the starter. If it begins with F4TE then it is drilled and tapped to accept a spider for a rolller conversion, and it will make the swap less expensive. An F4TE 5.8 block will allow you to use everything from late 80's to 90's 5.0 stang or pickup (spider, dogbones, and lifters).

8.5:1 is fine, and more or less ideal, for a boosted application.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm still debating the c.r. I plan on now going with a roller cam/rocker set up.

 

Just to revisit this....

I have a toasted 5.0 roller motor, and an early 351W motor. With using a retrofit cam, I should be able to use my roller gear from the 5.0??

 

That's right, so all you should need is the retrofit cam with the smaller base circle and the adapter kit to install the spider in your 351W block. Everything else off the 5.0 should work.

 

So who makes a conversion cam, and are there any good grinds for a truck? I have a 95 Bronco

 

The F4TE block are roller cam blocks. I just used an engine from a 95 F-250 with a 5.8L engine in it and swapped out the stock roller cam for a Comp Cam.

 

Sorry I miss spoke. The motor is going in a 95 Bronco, but the block is a '72 351W