Hi guys. I purchased a 79 F150 recently and just wanted to check some of my facts. They are peiced together from various sources (books and internet).

The powerplant is 351W with a compression ratio of 8.2:1 and produces approx. 200HP @ 3800 RPM and approx 300ftlb @ 2800 RPM.
The engine tag on the valvecover has the number "W9F5884D" but its nearly unreadable and all the smaller numbers for carb designation and manufacturing plant and all that are completely gone. I'm presuming that it is the original cover based on the previous owner's usage of it.


I need some help with the transmission, I don't see a tag on it anywhere. It does have "S4A" molded into the housing in big raised lettering. Without the tag I'm just shooting in the dark, any info to help narrow it down would be appreciated.
(sorry about the tranny question in the engine thread).

Could someone refresh my memory about the two engine measurement systems. CID is actual dispalcement of the cylinders? and I think I remember someone telling me once that the 5.8L measure has something to do with volume of air moved through the engine during a spefic time period?

8.2 seems like a pretty low compression ratio to me. Why so low, are thier benefits (extended engine life)? Wouldn't a higher ratio get better performance out of the engine? Even a modest increase to 8.5 or 8.8? How would that be achieved? smaller compression chamber? lengthen piston stroke? different pistons? increase airflow?

I plan to go over the engine thouroughly, check the plugs and timing and replace vacuum hoses, pvc valves and things like that, if they need it. Basic tune up stuff. Is there anything specific you guys think I should check while I'm at it that isn't included in this category (general maintenance, that is)?

I guess I have a lot of questions. I'm pretty inexpirienced with engines over 4 cylinders.

 

You might want to try posting these questions over in the small block (221/260/289/302/351w V8) group.