302 351 swap
302 351 swap
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Sumter SC
I did it, went from 302 to a'93 351 in a '90 f150. It was pretty straight up, but a couple things you need to look out for are: width of "y" pipe, 351 is about 5" wider, the trans, if you are using an AOD you need to change the flex plate, and make sure you get the right exhaust manifold with the 351 you are installing as the egr pipe on a 351 is at the front of the right exaust manifold and the 302 is under the intake. I used the original 302 computer and have had no problems. There are many threads about this swap here, lots of good advice.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
I did it, went from 302 to a'93 351 in a '90 f150. It was pretty straight up, but a couple things you need to look out for are: width of "y" pipe, 351 is about 5" wider, the trans, if you are using an AOD you need to change the flex plate, and make sure you get the right exhaust manifold with the 351 you are installing as the egr pipe on a 351 is at the front of the right exaust manifold and the 302 is under the intake. I used the original 302 computer and have had no problems. There are many threads about this swap here, lots of good advice.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I went from a stock 5.0 to a 5.8 with a cam and longtubes and I can tell you the difference was hugh, the 5.8 was easily 3 or more seconds faster 0-60 with the biggest difference in power happening below 3000rpm, the 5.8 produces WAY more grunt.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 286
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From: Sumter SC
The engine is a stock 351 from a '93 bronco I just freshened it up (rings, bearings, valve job, gaskets.) Just driving it around town I don't see much difference, but when I'm pulling my camper it really shows the difference. It pulls much better, the 302 had its tongue hanging out going from here to the mountains on I26&I385 but it did have 175k on it when I put the 351 in. Gas mileage is slightly worse, 10 with 302 towing and 9.5 with 351.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Ineteresting. I've owned similar trucks (shortbox 4x4's) of the same year, first with a 5.0, current with 5.8, but can't tell the differencet. Owned them far enough apart and had enough differences (gear ratio) that it would be difficult though. I've been curious as to the straight away/same truck comparisons would be.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I have driven a few all stock trucks with both motors and will agree they are very similar.. almost too similar, it seems the stock exhaust system hurts the bigger motor more. I now have the 5.0 back in my truck while the 5.8 gets further upgrades but even though this motor also has a cam upgrade and is using the same exhaust system the 5.8 was with longtubes it's gutless in comparison.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I did it because I was replacing a 5.0 with a 5.8 and the 5.0 SD computer won't handle that very well while the mass air version does. I did not install bigger injectors on either motor as they weren't needed.
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