It appears that my 94 F150 XLT 4WD has either burned a piston or worn a ring in #5. It's a 302 with 160K. It's in awesome shape and it's paid for, so I'm thinking of a crate motor. Is changing over to a 351 fairly easy? I'd really like the extra torque?

 

Never have done it, but I would if I had the 500 to get a junk yard truck motor.

 

I believe it is fairly easy. I have a 351 waiting to go into my truck. However, I wont be able to give you a full report for another month or so before I get it in.

 

If you are talking a 351W, it should be pretty easy, as it is very similar to the 302, except for being a little taller. The 351M and 351C would be more trouble.

 

I say go with the 302 crate motor, straight swap and you can order it any way you like not to mention bolt ons

 

351w engines are a little taller and wider that a 302. You will need a 351 intake and the exhaust pipe that bolts to the manifolds. There may be a few other things that I cant think of also.
I agree with just adding some HP to your 302. Aftermarket parts are everywhere.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Go with the 351. As for aftermarket parts, anything for the 302 will more or less work with the 351. Plus, you will get more torque out of the 351. The 351 has a stronger block than the 302 so it will handle the power much better. By the way, it is a very easy swap. Just don't forget to get the computer for your application.

 

Yes, it's a pain and costs a few bucks, too. After some thought, research and feedback (thanks!), I went with the crate motor. Much simpler, and I didn't spend as much upgrading it as I would have putting in a 351. I'm breaking it now, and afterwards, I'll find a suitable victim to test it out on. Some clown in a new Chevy with a anti-Ford sticker would be cool... I'll keep you posted. Heh, heh.

 

Which crate engine setup did you go with? There are various levels of power to choose from, just curious about which one you decided to go with.

 

If you got the time id go with the 351, i think you'll be happier in the long run instead of regretting...

 

I am seriously concidering making the 302 mass air to 351W swap. I'm trying to find out if I can still use the existing computer with a chip or tweecer. The motor would be a speed density Lightning motor. Can I just slap the MAF meter on it? Also wanting to add the E4OD to the equation. What am I getting into?

thanks,

Jeff

 

You can use all of the 302 wiring. Just swap it over and turn the key. There is no need for a chip or tuner either, especially since you have mass air. However, the E4OD will through everything out the window. To use mass air and the E4OD you must use a stand alone PCM like the one TCI sells. They are not cheap. You other options are to opt for speed density or forget the E4OD. If your worried about speed density... it will work out just fine as long as you don't use a real aggressive cam.

 

I did a 351 swap in my Mustang. The only reason I did is because I run forced induction and I wanted the extra strength of the block. I do run a blower on my truck but I only run about 6 lbs of boost...for towing. When I redo my truck motor I will do a 327 stroker. This way nothing has to be changed out and you can use all the $$ you spend on making it fit...into the motor itself
Thats my .02 good luck

 

The swap is easy.

You will need a 351 intake and fuel rail (the 302 rail will work but you have to streatch it), either 351 headers or longer collectors up to the 302 headers, a computer, maybe a couple accessory brackets and a distributor.

The wiring will work, the engine mounts will work and all the accessories will go basically in the same spot.

Its an easy swap and well worth the power. I would look for a junk yard engine, take it to the machine shop and buy a computer for either ~$100 on ebay or $225 at the local parts store. You can have the 351 long block ready to drop in in a weekend.

Its good bang for the buck and an easy swap if your doing an engine anyways.

 

To switch to a 351, wouldn't you need a different trans too? I believe the 302 has 4R70W and 351 mates up to E40D.