I will eventually get tired of my 4.0 SOHC but really love the truck, I have it lifted and shod with 33-12.5-15 donuts, looks and performs great, and have been thinking latelly of installing a V8, I have several chevy 350 engines but I think a Ford 351W would be more correct, I want to hear any comments about the possibility of keeping the current tranny (the 55R or something 5 speed auto) I like this tranny a lot, but since it lets my 4.0 rep up to 6.000 rpm I'm not sure what would happen with the V8 wich I wouldn't like to make it pass or even reach 5.000.
Phisically bolting the 351W to the tranny won't be that hard, I'll find a way ( I already have a 4 cyl Isuzu diesel engine bolted to a chevy TH350 tranny in my brother's C1500) the electronics don't intimidate me also, it's the rpm range at wich it shifts what worries me.
Do you guys think a C4 or C6 would be a better or more natural choice?, I think the AOD is too big and heavy, am I rigth?
I want to keep the AWD transfer case, I like it a lot.
please don't suggest me getting a V8 and tranny from a full size pickup, junkyards don't carry them here.

has anybode ever done such a swap?

thanks

Augusto.

 

P/U trucks is the only vehicle that has had the 351W in a long time, there is also emissions to think about.

 

Hmmm.........wonder if emissions testing is done in Ecuador?

Augusto - if you don't get any answers here, try the "Engine Swaps" Forum.

Steve

 

no emissions testing here,
I'll check that forum,
thanks.

Augusto.

 

351 will not fit without a few engine bay mods - fendells cut, custom headers, etc. I would try and find an Explorer in a junk yard with a 302 and use it as a donor. Bolt in from there with no mods...

 

David,

if I could find a V8 explorer I'll sell mine and just buy it period, the problem is that they are very rare here, I must do just what your motto says.

what is it with the 351W? isn't it about the same size as as a 302? I just took some measurments and the 302 is about the same width as the 4.0. and llike 12 cm longer than the 4.0, if the 351 measures closelly it will fit perfectlly, ( I don't have one to measure) fender cutting and custom headers are part of the fun.

Augusto

 

I think I found answers to all my questions here:


http://therangerstation.com/tech_lib...nversions.html

Augusto.

 

the intake on a 351 is about 10.5 inches compared to about 9 inches on a 302so it is at least 1.5 inches wider

 

If it fits in rangers it will fit in explores, if some shetmetal massage is necesary I'll do it, why bother with a 302 if a 351 fits? I have it decided, I'll start searching for a good motor to start with, and gather some goodies until the V6 kicks the bucket, I like the Holley Projection TBI injection a lot for this project, any input on this system?, I'll go with a C4, I don't need to have great milleage, (gas costs $ 1.50 a gallon here) maybe I'll adapt my current transfer to it, since mine is AWD I should keep the current transfer, I wonder if locking hubs are available for this model.

Augusto.