SB swapability?
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SB swapability?
"Blew" the 300 in my 79' f150 4x4 daily driver and I need a motor fast. I found a couple 302's and a couple 351's for under $300, but no 300's. How easy is it to swap in a SB V8? Do I have to have a Y-pipe made? I am looking for a 300, but whatever will swap in works for me. I dont have the time to tear into this 300 because i gotta have this truck on the road asap. I can get a EFI 4.9 but that seems like too big of a project. I'd like a quick swap.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
You'll need the engine mounts, V8 rad..though you could make the 4.9 rad work.. just can't use standard hoses, and the correct flywheel/flexplate for the engine tranny combo. 4.9 is zero balance, pre 81 302 and all 351's are 28oz, and post 81 302's are 50 oz.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: SC
I would think the quickest and easiest way to get back on the road would be buy an EFI engine and just swap on all your carb'd stuff. Distributor, manifolds, etc. Well, you might want use the EFI manifolds if adapting the exhaust isn't too big a hassle for you. They're supposed to be worth a bit more power over the older style and are a popular swap for folks who aren't ready for a tubular aftermarket header.
Edit. I forgot, they only complication I can think of is that some, but not all, EFI 4.9's have AIR injection tubes in the cylinder head. Some just have them in the manifold. If they are in the head you'll have to plug or block them. I've seen people just cut the tubes and then crimp them closed with Vice-grips so it's not really a big deal.
Edit. I forgot, they only complication I can think of is that some, but not all, EFI 4.9's have AIR injection tubes in the cylinder head. Some just have them in the manifold. If they are in the head you'll have to plug or block them. I've seen people just cut the tubes and then crimp them closed with Vice-grips so it's not really a big deal.
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I'll take the first decent engine that happens along in my price range. I prefer a complete ready to swap motor, but I'll take an EFI 4.9 and steal the block if I gotta. Maybe I'll convert to EFI down the road.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bend,OR
this is probably the best idea and least expensive. not to mention the fastest option. and definatly keep the efi stuff so you can go that route in the future.
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From what I understand, only the 351W is a direct swap. I currently have a 300/t18/np205 combo. I found a deal on a 351M with some goodies. What needs to change in order to make it work?
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FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
No, the 300, 302, and 351w all use the same SB bellhousing bolt pattern.
You need a different tranny for starters, the 351M uses the BB bolt pattern.
You need a different tranny for starters, the 351M uses the BB bolt pattern.
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Ok Ive got it. I found a stout 351w so it looks like im gonna swap it in. I cant let a deal like this go. Will my clutch work with this engine? Everyone is sure all I need is the correct mounts, throttle linkage, and flywheel/flexplate? Where can I get the correct flywheel for 351w to t18? I got to get some parts from the bone yard so I also need to know how to spot a windsor among other engines. Any tips? I need a set of heads to have redone. Any junkyard jewels out there or should I just grab heads out of any 302/351w?
edit: As for my rad, Ive got a newer 3 core that Im gonna keep. I just gotta do my own thing to make it work
edit: As for my rad, Ive got a newer 3 core that Im gonna keep. I just gotta do my own thing to make it work
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
If you can find a '96 or '97 5.0 explorer you can pull the GT40 heads off it(will have 3 vertical bars on the end), they are best factory casting you'll find for these motors. Late '97 to 2k Explorers used the GT40P head and while these perform little better than the GT40 they will require the use of custom headers or the stock manifolds, and putting manifolds on these motors is criminal IMO. Next best choice would be early 351 heads from the 60's, and then the E7 casting found on all 5.0 and 5.8 motors after '87. In all cases here the 351 benefits from porting and port matching the intake to the heads.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Albemarle, NC
Keep in mind too the 351 heads will have a 1/2'' head bolt hole and the 302 will have 7/16'' so if you want to put the 302 on a 351 they will need to be drilled out. Or if you use 351 on a 302 you need to buy the inserts or collars so it will work. Just something to keep in mind.