302 351
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
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From: Midwest
not an expert here,but i know a few parts,and it will move your post to the top for more knowledgeable folks. here is what I know: heads(302 heads may need bolt holes drilled to 1/2 inch to fit 351w) exhaust manifolds(manifolds only,not complete exhaust,351 is taller)valve covers. lower intake manifolds are not interchangeable because the 351w is wider,i am not sure about uppers. I am sure there are other small parts that I don't know about,but this is a starting point.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Nothing if you're talking late model heads because both motors used the same castings after 1977. If you get some '69-74 351 heads then you'll get bigger valves and a smaller combustion chamber, these are roughly equivelent to the late model GT40 heads.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs
ok so ill be better off just builing up a 302 for this project then what is the difference between the ones that were offered in tho fox body stangs and the explorers i know this is not a stang or explorer forum but you guys have helped me with ever problem ive had with my truck so figured its a good place to start. preciate it guys.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
There is only one 5.0 block and it's the basis for all these motors. Compared to the truck engine the mustang motor has a bigger cam and an intake better suited to the engine, and the Explorer motor has GT40 heads and intake but the same cam as the post '94 trucks. The rotating assembly is the same in all motors except that the early Stang motors got forged pistons while the trucks got regular cast or hyper slugs. All can be built to the same output and all the parts mentioned interchange since it's really the same motor.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2008
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17FordGuy - I have been reading your post with interest as I am close to putting a 351 in my 96 f150 but I'm running into a few snags. I might however be able to change the head, intakes and cam shaft and just make the top half a 351. I'm kind of interested what difference that will make. I'll be watching your post.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Reno, NV
Go pedal:
I think you missed something here. The 351 has a taller deck height. That means that the from the centerline of the crank to the deck where the heads bolt on is different. You must use a 351 block.
I think you missed something here. The 351 has a taller deck height. That means that the from the centerline of the crank to the deck where the heads bolt on is different. You must use a 351 block.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
You have to first define what powerband you want. For idle to 4000rpm use a truck motor with the F4TE cam, HO intake, and longtube headers. For 3000 - 6000rpm power use Explorer motor with an aftermarket cam and shorties.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
In your case changing the heads and cam won't make any difference at all since they are the same parts, and the 5.8 intake won't fit on a 5.0 block.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Colorado Springs
well this project is way off topic for this forum but im building this as an efi motor to drop in to a 64-69 mustang for my moms 50th birthday. she's always wanted one so know i want to give her one. since she getting up there in age i want to go with efi and an auto tranny so what do you guys think would be best for the motor.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
In that case a stock 5.0HO or Explorer powertrain would do nicely just as it is.