F350 engine swap or build
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F350 engine swap or build
Howdy yall, just bought a 1997 F350 SRW CCLB. Its got a zf5 manual, but a 351w. Its a pretty massive truck and I really dont want to spend more than 2-3k on a engine build/swap. I've looked at doing a low boost turbo setup, a 393 Stroker build, and a 12v swap, and im honestly leaning towards a light build(forged pistons .030 over, ARP studs, High Volume oil pump, and new cam) with turbo on the 351. Can i get some opinions, im trying to get the best bang for buck engine with 450-500 ft-lbs of torque.
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Howdy yall, just bought a 1997 F350 SRW CCLB. Its got a zf5 manual, but a 351w. Its a pretty massive truck and I really dont want to spend more than 2-3k on a engine build/swap. I've looked at doing a low boost turbo setup, a 393 Stroker build, and a 12v swap, and im honestly leaning towards a light build(forged pistons .030 over, ARP studs, High Volume oil pump, and new cam) with turbo on the 351. Can i get some opinions, im trying to get the best bang for buck engine with 450-500 ft-lbs of torque.
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Are you telling me it can't be done? Because i guarantee its reasonable.
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A stock 460 and a set of decent headers will give you 450ish Torque. With some other minor upgrades you can get even more. It would be the easiest, quickest, most reliable way to go imho.
A turbo 351w is going to be pricey and prolly bust up your ZF5. But I would love to see a build like that!
A turbo 351w is going to be pricey and prolly bust up your ZF5. But I would love to see a build like that!
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From: Central Mississippi
Wouldn't dream of telling somebody it can't be done.
I'm sure it's as easy as falling down a flight of stairs.
Pics, receipts & a dyno sheet when you're finished cause I'm all about learning.
I'm sure it's as easy as falling down a flight of stairs.
Pics, receipts & a dyno sheet when you're finished cause I'm all about learning.
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A 351 is a little past it’s design curve at those numbers, in that heavy pig 
. Would it hold up at a more sustained load with performance mods? Genuinely curious. I can’t remember what all was different in a Lightening motor, might be a good starting point. I just don’t know if you could get the torque down low enough to make it a nice combination with your ZF. On a side note, those aren’t the most common transmissions in the small bell housing - I’m sure you could sell it for more than you can buy a 385 pattern for - if you were closer, I’d trade you one in a second. A 460 would be the simplest and cheapest,obviously, but then it’s just like everybody else’s...... Personally, I’d say 12v, but I like my diesels.
. Would it hold up at a more sustained load with performance mods? Genuinely curious. I can’t remember what all was different in a Lightening motor, might be a good starting point. I just don’t know if you could get the torque down low enough to make it a nice combination with your ZF. On a side note, those aren’t the most common transmissions in the small bell housing - I’m sure you could sell it for more than you can buy a 385 pattern for - if you were closer, I’d trade you one in a second. A 460 would be the simplest and cheapest,obviously, but then it’s just like everybody else’s...... Personally, I’d say 12v, but I like my diesels.
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A 351 is a little past it’s design curve at those numbers, in that heavy pig . Would it hold up at a more sustained load with performance mods? Genuinely curious. I can’t remember what all was different in a Lightening motor, might be a good starting point. I just don’t know if you could get the torque down low enough to make it a nice combination with your ZF. On a side note, those aren’t the most common transmissions in the small bell housing - I’m sure you could sell it for more than you can buy a 385 pattern for - if you were closer, I’d trade you one in a second. A 460 would be the simplest and cheapest,obviously, but then it’s just like everybody else’s...... Personally, I’d say 12v, but I like my diesels.
. Would it hold up at a more sustained load with performance mods? Genuinely curious. I can’t remember what all was different in a Lightening motor, might be a good starting point. I just don’t know if you could get the torque down low enough to make it a nice combination with your ZF. On a side note, those aren’t the most common transmissions in the small bell housing - I’m sure you could sell it for more than you can buy a 385 pattern for - if you were closer, I’d trade you one in a second. A 460 would be the simplest and cheapest,obviously, but then it’s just like everybody else’s...... Personally, I’d say 12v, but I like my diesels.
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