ATTN All Small Block Gurus!
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From: Louisiana
ATTN All Small Block Gurus!
I will be doing an engine replacement soon on my 78 Ranger That has a 302/C-4, a/c, and ps. I was thinking about swapping in a late model 5.0 long block and reusing most of the components from my original engine. I know I will need my original timing cover for a manual fuel pump and there will be a difference in the tail shaft splines.
My question is this-
Do the post 85 5.0 engines have the same accessory bracket mounting holes as a 78 long block? This would make the swap much simpler for me.
Any information will be a great help so I know what direction I need to go before I turn a wrench.
My question is this-
Do the post 85 5.0 engines have the same accessory bracket mounting holes as a 78 long block? This would make the swap much simpler for me.
Any information will be a great help so I know what direction I need to go before I turn a wrench.
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Pre 1981 5.0 had a 28oz balance while post '81 5.0 is 50oz so you'll need a new flexplate if you plan to use the same tranny. The accessory brackets bolt to the heads and timing cover and since these components have never changed as far as bolt locations go there will be no issue with the accessory brackets.
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That is great news. I understand that I will have to get a 50 oz flywheel for the 5.0. I am going to do a lot more research before I commit but I am also wondering if there will be any issues with my original torque converter with the later model engine.
Thanks for the information!
Thanks for the information!
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Interesting you mention that because I have an 85 club wagon with a 5.8 HO/C-6 in it. It runs pretty good. The only problem is that it has over 200k miles on it and I can see water getting into the engine oil from somewhere. Plus I'm not sure what extra engineering is involved being that the 5.8 is a bit taller and wider than the 5.0. I would love to run the C-6 but the original C-4 works great and I'm trying to keep this swap as simple and quick as possible.
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Well the 5.8 bolts right in where a 5.0 was, same bellhoising bolt pattern and engine mounts. The fact it's taller and wider really doesn't impact the job in this case since you have a complete motor except that you'll have to widen the exhaust slightly. The 351/5.8 motors were always 28oz balance too so you don't even need another flexplate to attach it to your C4.
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What about the throttle linkage and kickdown lever? Would they still work with the taller engine? Will the original 302 accessories bolt onto the 351?
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FTE Legend
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The accessories brackets bolt to the heads and timing cover and I know on the later motors the brackets had 2 sets of holes to mount on either engine. But you have a complete engine/tranny combo in a vehicle anyway so you have everything you need right there.
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im pretty sure that the kickdown and all will still work after putting in the 351. as for the torque convertor on the C-4 i just did this swap on my 74, it had a 10.5" bolt pattern on the TC so i had to get one that would fit the 50oz 164 tooth flexplate, and NO they do not make one with a 10.5" bolt pattern.
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I've made up my mind to get a Motorcraft reman 5.0 HO longblock from the dealership where I work. It has a 3yr/ 100,000 mile warranty. If I order it for a 93 cobra app I get 1.7 rockers at no extra cost! Later on down the road when I get the itch I can build the hell out of it and have some fun.
As I can see it now I will need the proper flexplate and a new truck oil pan with the dip stick. Distributor gear for the roller cam as well.
Will the old style water pump function properly on the later block?
I also have a question that I cannot seem to find the answer to anywhere online.
Will mustang shorty headers work in the truck engine bay? Has anyone here seen or done this before? I know I will need the ball type flanges on my exhaust pipes I just wonder about firewall and motor mount clearance.
Again any information is greatly appreciated!
As I can see it now I will need the proper flexplate and a new truck oil pan with the dip stick. Distributor gear for the roller cam as well.
Will the old style water pump function properly on the later block?
I also have a question that I cannot seem to find the answer to anywhere online.
Will mustang shorty headers work in the truck engine bay? Has anyone here seen or done this before? I know I will need the ball type flanges on my exhaust pipes I just wonder about firewall and motor mount clearance.
Again any information is greatly appreciated!
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