I just got a free 1982 f150 2 wheel drive.It has a 302 right now but it runs horrible.I want to put in a later model 351w with fuel injection but I want to know which year would be best and have the most performance potential.

 

Can't answer your question directly, but I can give you a bit of infomation on the 351W (5.8L) engine. Ford didn't install fuel injection on the 5.8L until 1988. The 5.0L engine got injected in 1987.

You should be warned, however. The 5.8L engine was a real gas hog.

 

I cannot speak for certain on the 351 and when it got EFI...but the 302 got it in 1985 or 1986. I have seen the pre 87 trucks with EFI and we had a 1986 Econoline 150 van that had EFI. What is the cause of it not running well? Check it over good...there are lots of things that you could do to make it run better unless something is seriously wrong in the motor. When equipped with EFI the 351 is actually more fuel efficient than the 302. I know its strange. My dad and I had identical trucks with around the same mileage and running condition. Except mine was a 302 and his was a 351. His consistently got a couple MPG more than me.

I dont know how well this swap would go. You would have to get a complete engine with computer and all that. Even then it would be a challenge if you ask me. If it were me and I wasnt overly concerned with fuel economy...I would just find a good 351. Drop on a 4 barrel carb, bolt it up and have some fun. This also would be much more economical then trying to find a complete engine with EFI and then the hassle of getting it in. Good luck!