302 or 351
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe NM
302 or 351
New member here. I just purchase a 95 xlt super cab w/302 auto from my employer. Truck could not be in better condition. lets just say there is not a dent in the bed and one small tear on the interior. There is one small issue, a hole in the block, due to no oil pressure. I'm assuming the entire engine is junk. This truck is going to be my winter project so I have a few months to decide between the 302 or 351. It looks like the cost will be the same no mater which way I go. I want mild power and millage I planning on having this truck for many year.
Thank in advance
Jim
Thank in advance
Jim
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 20
From: Caracas, Venezuela
Go for the 351, it actually gets better mileage as it makes less of an effort to move the truck, it will be better at basically everything (hp/tq/durability), and this comes from a guy wich owns a 302. Also, you have a great advantage, having MAF, all you need is an EFI ready 351 (and some other minor details).
Btw, welcome to the forum!.
Btw, welcome to the forum!.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
+1, I have had both motors in my truck and I miss the 5.8. You'll need a complete 5.8EFI for the swap because very little transfers from the 5.0, as well as a 28oz flexplate to match your trans(the 5.0 uses a 50oz) and the exhaust will need to be widened a little, but otherwise it's plug and play assuming your truck is mass air.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe NM
Thanks for the input
I have been leaning toward the 351, it has always been my favorite gas engine. 20ish years ago I converted a 69 bronco into a 351 w/4speed that Bronco moved a got 20+mpg. I just have concerns about the computer stuff. Conversions used to be a few wires and a fuel line now there is a lot more involved, but you can't beat the dependability.
BTW how can I tell the difference between the two auto transmissions.
Jim
BTW how can I tell the difference between the two auto transmissions.
Jim
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32
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From: Beckley WV
351 deffinitely! me and a buddy have the exact same truck - reg cab, short bed, 4x4, auto, except mines lifted 3 inches and running 33 inch tires with the 351. hes all stock with the 302 and we both get 12 mpg. he keeps his tuned up too...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The trans code on the drivers door pillar will tell you what you have.. Ford Axle Code Chart .: Articles
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From: IA
Hey guys, i see that you said as long as it is MAF. I have an 88' and thought about this conversion but i have speed density (MAP) system. Is this more difficult?
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
no... You should still be ok to do a swap into a 351w. If you are thrifty and good with directions you can get your truck converted to maf in a weekend for A couple hundred bucks... Just need to go junk yarding a few times first!
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Opps... forgot to vote... My bro had a 302. He moved up to a 351w like me! way better truck motor. 302's like higher rpms and better for mustangs and thunderbirds. don't get me wrong 302 's are ok in trucks but the 351w is better by far.
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe NM
The trans code on the drivers door pillar will tell you what you have.. Ford Axle Code Chart .: Articles
Thanks, that was too easy.
U = 4R70W (4spd auto with overdrive)
Is this good or bad?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
That's bad if you need a 5.8 EEC because there was no 5.8/4R70w combo from the factory. But as stated if your truck is mass air then you don't need to worry because the computer can adapt to a 5.8 anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 118
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Hope you can make the 351 work. I had an 89 f150 w/a 5.0 and it was alright but I now have a 96 w/351 and it makes a huge difference. The 5.0 did good but as others have stated had to be revved up pretty good to get to the power. The 351 makes it from down low so you don't have to push it hard at all.