302 vs 351 build
 

I'm looking into buy either a 302 block or 351 block to start building and eventually swap into my bronco. I was told if I go with the 351, I should get something from 95+ because the lifters have rollers. But I found a cheap 302 block that came out of a Foxbody mustang. But what I don't knwo is if there's any particular vehicles I should look for something in so that it drops right in. Basically, what vehicles should I look at for engines for ease of swapping?

Anybody know?

If you're just driving it around a 5.0 is an OK motor but if you plan to use the thing as a truck the 5.8 is what you need. And if you're going to build it up the 5.8 gives you the displacement of a stroked 5.0 with a much stronger block so again it's the better starting point. The trans bolt pattern of this family of motors never changed so any 302/5.0 or 351/5.8 will bolt right in there but try to get a '94+ motor for the factory roller cam assembly.

Ok cool. I knew about the '94+. I wasn't sure about the bolt patterns though. I got a line on a 351w out of wrecked '95 250 with only 90k on. Guy wants $200 for the block and engine stand. It's got F4TE cast on the side so it matches what he's saying.

What are your build plans for the motor? If you just want a runner it's best to get a complete 5.8 EFI if possible because there are very few parts that will transfer from the 5.0 including the distributor, oulpan, and complete intake assembly. If you plan to put better heads on it then you will also need a better intake so not getting those parts isn't the end of the world but there are no performance gains to be had with an aftermarket distributor so get that is you can.

I'm planning on just building with 300-350hp in mind. I think that's a reasonable goal without going stroked or forced induction. I want to drop it in the bronco and make it strictly my off-road and beach toy and get something else as a DD.

But however I build it, I'm not worried about power over 3-4k rpms because I never let it get that high unless I get pissed on the interstate trying to pass someone.

Anymore input on goals or parts recommendations? I'm completely new at all this and I have no clue what to look for.

Do you have sniffer tests to pass?

A stock 351 bottom end with GT40 heads or better and the Comp 35-349-8 will make 300hp or so but you will need an intake like the Edelbrock Performer.. single TB version. Add longtube headers and whatever you like in exhaust behind them for maximum gains at lower rpms.

If you're building a toy, then build the 351... Especially since you said you don't rev it past 4k rpm.
What's your budget. How modified are you willing to go.

I'd prefer not to have any machine work done but if it gets me to my goal, I could. The hard part is finding a decent 5.8 block at a decent price. The one I'd been talking to the guy about got sold so I have to find another one. I can find cheap 302 blocks easy peasy

As for sniffer tests, I just have to deal with yearly inspections here in Virginia. No sniffer tests that I know of.

If you can assemble an engine then machine work for bore/hone and press pistons on rods is a minimal addition. All depends on what kind of rebuild you want.

First......... Set a budget
Second..... Decide on a goal (complete motor job or hone/rering)
Third........ Figure out your limitations (can you build it yourself)
Fourth...... Follow our suggestion of asking questions BEFORE you buy parts
Fifth......... Buy parts
Sixth........ Build awesomeness

If you don't have emissions then great. You can eliminate a lot of stuff if you want.

Call or email this guy to see what cam got put in this.

351w with the works

Yeah I saw that one and I emailed him a couple days ago. Hr said it was sold and he forgot to take the ad down. Really I wanna just start with a bare block anyway instead of buying a built motor that has someone else's problems in it

And I put a WTB out on CL and a guy just offered a built 302 bored out .040 to 308 for $800.

As for a plan, I really want a engine built with low end power in mind, there's really no budget since I'm just buying parts as I need them. And I can probably build it myself and whatever I can't do, I can get help from my neighbors on either side of me since they rebuild stuff like this on the regular. They just wouldn't be good for asking what parts to buy, performance wise. And I don't plan on buying everything at once and building it in a weekend but more of a part or two every two or three weeks. I'd buy them in the order I need them to put the engine together, if that makes any sense.