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I've never been a fan of the 351 in any configuration or model. Kinda like the 5.4, never really made the power vs the competition and certainly didn't get the gas mileage. The 335 series in the 400 cu. in. configuration was an extremely strong engine for a small block. Would have been a far better choice for this rig. I ordered an 86 F150 Supercab back then. I ordered it in the Victorian paint job in green and tan. Ford said they wouldn't paint the truck unless I paid for the paint in advance. I wrote check for the entire truck and told them to get to spraying the color. It was the first truck to ever wear that paint scheme. My dealer bud thought I was nutz but as soon as it came in, he sold 6 more just like it. He still tells that story to customers of his. In my opinion, the 1986 F150 was far and away the best looking truck, ever. I had the captains chairs and Ford has never put more comfy seats in a truck. It was a quiet ride and handled like a car. LOVED that truck. Unfortunately, while going thru downtown San Antonio, it died on IH 10 in 5 o'clock traffic. Finally got a wrecker and towed to a friends shop. They said the ECM had died on it but there was a problem- no parts matched the part number. I called a friend, a Ford trouble shooter out of Oregon and gave him all of the info. He called back with bad news, it was going to cost around $2000. of 1988 money to get it running again. The part number was not in Fords catalog but was in the factory mule catalog which meant I couldn't have it, shouldn't have had it, but Ford was not going to replace it. I had to replace all of the electronics in the truck to get it running again. So, it went back to my dealer on the end of a wrecker and I drove out in a new one. Still miss that truck. So yeah, I have a soft spot for any 1986 F150. A bud of mine just finished an 86 Bronco that is King Ranch red and gold. Incredibly beautiful truck.....and it sports the 400 small block with a few extra goodies.
The part number was not in Fords catalog but was in the factory mule catalog which meant I couldn't have it, shouldn't have had it, but Ford was not going to replace it. I had to replace all of the electronics in the truck to get it running again. So, it went back to my dealer on the end of a wrecker and I drove out in a new one.
Whoa... That's a weird situation! Any idea how you wound up with that bit?
