Just acquired a '79 Ranchero GT with a 351 cleveland. It's pretty high mileage (136K) but runs well. I'm considering replaceing it, in due time, with a late model Ford(naturally!) V8. I want the fuel injection and computer control.
Any thoughts out there?

 

A couple things
There are a gazillion 5.0s out there to choose from

if your pockets are a little deeper You might look at a Lincoln for a hp hot rod engine

John

 

hi, just a few thing to think about..
Are you in a smog state, that still requires
smog checks for you year car?
the 351 cleveland was not an factory
engine for that car..
If you have the bucks and can go to
an after market engine I would get a crate Ford
motor,
Don't forget that these 5.0 engines are
only 300 + - CIDs so you'll be l loosing
some torque for the weight of the Ranchero...
I would go with a stroker motor keep the engine
weight down and increase the HP.. and Torque
Best
Dave

 

I guess I was given bad info whenI bought the car. I'm sure it's the factory engine.
I wonder if it would be wise to replace the tranny also. Am I correct in assuming the electronics control it also?
I reside in California, and we have an oddity in the smog laws. Vehicles thirty years and older are smog exempt.

 

Vanno, i'm in Cal also.. 1979 is not
30 years yet... your Ranchero is still
smogable.... I know..
1973 was last year for the Clleveland
engine. I have a Cleveland i n my 77
Ranchero.. not factory..
Don't go for some small 302 for
your Ranchero you will be sorry, the
car weighs around 4000 lb.... you need
torque ... why not buy a Ford crate
motor... 5.8 L starting at $2900 for
250 hp to $6000 for 360 hp...
or rebuild the cleveland for around $2500
with new heads and Edlebrock 4v intake
and a street avenger carb...
Pep boys has the carbs on sail for $299.00
until they are all gone...
I had my engine doen a t
Performance engines in Long Beach