Engine Swap Question
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Engine Swap Question
I have a '78 F100, SWB, 2WD, Auto (in the floor) with a 351M/400 married to a C6 transmission. I want to drop a 351W (rebuilt) married to a C6 (rebuilt) out of a '85 Econoline. I am aware the engine mounts are different in these cast than the cast from earlier years...the engine mounts on the M are flat and attach to the engine via 3 bolts, and attach to the chassis via 1 bolt. The W mounts are "V" / "U" shaped and attach to the block via 2 bolts and to the chassis via 2 bolts....is there an adapter or a way to "easily" mount this engine in the '78 F100? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
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I have been emailing a guy back and forth, He may have some mounts...just waiting to hear back if they are 3 bolt or 2 bolt. For some reason Ford decided to change castings around the early '80's...otherwise it would fit right in...I have a buddy that has fabricated some mounts for me, but we weren't able to get them to fit in the Engine Mounts on the truck. I guess the other question would be, can I still use the "original" mounts in the truck? They have the single hole in the middle, with a slot in the center...(looks like a Key Hole).
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The van is a rear sump...we did notice this would more than likely be an issue (due to the steering arm?) just to make sure I am correct in my observation and thought process...what would the chances be of swapping the pan from the M with the pan from the W...actually I would probably just want the new one...any recommendation on where to purchase a good one?
Last edited by CalebJns; Mar 20, 2010 at 11:32 PM. Reason: more info
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The three vs two bolt thing is a Windsor vs Modified thing not really a casting switch they were two different engine families. A 1969 W uses the same mounts as a 1997, this mount is common the all the 289,302,351W and 351C. Just go into any parts store and by engine mounts for a 78 F100 with a 302 they are like ten bucks a piece.
-John
-John
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From: The Vieux Ford, Kansas
The M pan won't fit the W they have almost nothing in common, I would just look for a used 351W pan with front sump it would be you cheapest option. You can also get stock replacements from jegs or summit for like $80s just be sure to get a new pickup too.
-John
-John
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If my parts house has these...I will do back flips....but very exciting...only bummer is, it is supposed to rain the next few days...stinks not having a garage to work in...but I can live until then...Thanks again!
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From: The Vieux Ford, Kansas
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Awesome, Thanks again, the parts house right around the corner from my Church has them in stock! Looks like a stop after Church!!!! Woooo Hoooo! Question on the pan...I have been looking at Jegs, and just some Google searches, the pans I am looking at say they are not "applicable" for trucks...I understand the concept, and want this thing in last week! any recommendations on the pan? At this point, I am ready to fork out the dough (if need be) to have it in and running!
Last edited by CalebJns; Mar 21, 2010 at 12:05 AM. Reason: Can't spell! To excited!!!
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The 351W didn't come in a truck till 1986 I think. Prior to that it was a car only motor and all the cars were front sump, by the time they started putting the 351W in trucks they were all rear sump so if you go by what the factory installed no front sump pan will fit a truck. This is the kind of thing that happens when you start doing things that Ford never did, I am pretty sure that a car pan will work but I am not positive the only way to find out is to try or find some one who has done it. Just because it says it won't fit a truck doesn't mean it won't fit yours.
-John
-John
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And thus I have come here! I was really hoping I wasn't the FIRST guy to attempt this! There has to be someone out there that has done this...if not, I am going to patten everything, write a book, and sell the mess out of it...and of course you, John, will be sited as a "SOURCE", with your permission and royalties of course!
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I am sure there are guys who have actually done this before the 351W gets swapped into just about every thing. I am just speaking out of my experience on my 79 F250 4x4 400 to 351C swap, because the 351C shares engine mounts with the 351W and a 400 is the same as a 351M it makes the swap fairly similar. This is why I won't give you a positive answer on the oil pan because now this gets confusing but I reused my oil pan off the 400 because the 351C is pretty much the same as the 400/351M but it has a shorter deck and use small block transmission patter and motor mounts like a 351W. This stuff can be a headache at first but it isn't too hard to figure it all out.
-John
-John
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I do understand...and I have been ragged by my buddies that are helping me with the swap...they are BOTH Chevy guys! They first saw the F100 and scratched their heads, "that ain't no Chevy"! If things were simple, Life wouldn't be interesting! But thanks for the help...I will let you know how it works out! Hopefully soon!