Hey everyone,
I have been "silently" doing a project on my truck, but thought that I should share what I have been doing since I am almost done. I have a 1992 F-150 4X4 with the 5.0 and E4OD trans. The truck is also lifted. Well, I got sick of the combo so I swapped in a ZF 5-speed and a 351. I also have put in an A9L computer from a mustang and long tube headers. The project is almost complete. I have been taking pictures and will show you all when it is finished. If you have any questions about this type of swap let me know and I will answer what I can. By the way, this swap was not hard at all!

 

I am seriously considering a 351 swap in the future, so I would be very interested to know which parts are not 302 --> 351 compatible (ie which parts I would have to replace). Also, I was under the impression that I would have to replace my computer with a computer from a 351, but you said you used a Mustang computer? Just curious as to why you chose that. Thanks!

 

TF,
It is a pretty easy swap. Everything from your 302 will bolt to the 351. However, you will need a new belt, exhaust, maybe lower radiator hose (I did). I went with the mustang computer because I wanted to switch to a mass air system. The 351 uses the same firing order as the 5.0HO. I also used this computer because the 351 uses the same injectors as the 5.0 and this computer has more aggressive timing and fuel curves. I can always use a tweecer to change the curves in the future. You can replace your computer with one from a 351 if you want to keep your SD system (this would make the swap even easier).

 

or build a 331 atroker with a set of 165 afr heads

 

or build a 331 atroker with a set of 165 afr heads[QUOTE]

While a 331 is a great motor, with the 351 you get a stronger block and extra displacement. Remember, "no replacement for displacement"!!

 

How hard was it to swap the ZF in there?? Did you need a new t-case & what about driveshaft lengths??

 

and you get extra weight, larger main bearings that cause more pasitic drag at all RPM's and you have to go to the trouble of converting everything,

 

Melovidov21

Swapping in the ZF wasn't too bad at all. Of course you need the new tranny, new clutch, the crossmember, the clutch/brake pedal assembly, and new transfer case linkage. My transfer case bolted right up with no problems at all. On my truck, the holes for the crossmember were already there, the cutout for the clutch master cylinder was already there. You have to do a little wiring because the backup switch on the transmissions are different. All in all not too difficult. Putting in the clutch/brake pedal assembly was very easy. I did have to fabricate on bracket for my cruise control though-this took about 20 minutes.

mxhotshot

I am not saying the 331 is a bad motor, in fact they are great. I am just saying it is easier and more reliable to get more power and torque from a 351-Our heavy trucks can always use the extra torque. And the conversions was really easy, the only thing I really needed was to do the exhaust (Mine was rusted out to begin with).

 

mustang42,

That's great to know, thanks. I'm still trying to figure out if converting to mass air is smog legal out here in California. That'll have some say as to whether I use a 351 computer and stick with sd or use a 302HO computer like you did.

BTW, how is your new 351 exhaust setup different than the 302 exhaust setup? Is it mainly the pipes that connect the exhaust manifolds to the first cat?

 

The main difference in the exhaust is the y-pipe. The 351 has a taller deck height and is therefore wider than the 302. You could probably have your exhaust shop just make you a new y-pipe to weld into your existing exhaust. Just remember, mustangs in 1988 in California had mass air where the rest of the nation did not have mass air-just something to think about.