Hi Guys and Gals...

I plan on rebuilding my 302 in my 1989 F-150 4x4 this coming summer and either build the 302 or 351W or a 351/400Modified, and build it to about 300hp. I could easily switch the current over by removing the 3rd fuel pump,(hi pressure) and trading the intake for a carb/intake combo.

I would like any insite on this, and me and 2 other friends(mechanics) are my partners on this project.



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Toydestroyer1@yahoo.com

1993 F-150302/e4od/355 Limited slip. dual exhuast w/o mufflers,2 1/4" pipes with Echo Tips, headers, accel plugs/wires(8.6mm)/rotor/cap, hypertech powermodule, 4 degree advance,Blaster Coil,MSd 6A Ignition, TPS Mod,hopefully roller rockers in the future!!5% dark tint. Alpine cd player and Pioneer speakers.

1989 F-150 XLT 4x4

2000 Superduty CrewCab v-10, auto,2wd, Dad's company truck

 

If you really need the 300 net horsepower, I would go with the bigger engines, but if your target is an honest 250 hp, the 302 would be great. If you have an honest 250 hp, that will give you about 25 more than all the guys who think they've got 300.

Dialing in a carb can be real pain in the rear, especially if you build the engine using your own special blend of cam, manifolds, head mods and carb. Of course it is real satisfying when you get it right. As a general rule, the more mild the engine, the easier it will be to get the carb dialed in. Whatever engine you go with, don't put too big a carb on it. A 600 cfm will work fine on a 302 or a 351.

I would go with a medium warm, carburated 351W. Its a breeze to work on, cheaper and lighter than the 351/400M and if you've got headers for a 302 they will bolt on, although the 351W is a little wider than the 302.


Building an engine with your buds is a lot of fun! Make sure whatever you do, you will pass the smog requirements in your state. Your planning too much work not to be able to register the truck when your done.

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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, bed liner, Sony 10 disc CD, Edelbrock IAS, K&N filter, Superchip



[This message has been edited by dirt bike dave (edited 01-30-2000).]

 

I like the idea of the 351, because they're easier to find. Remember the 351HO? I found one in a 86 F-150 that was wrecked, and only had like 86k. Plus, while were building it, I can still drive the truck. The previous owner removed the cat, and ran true duals with turbo's, and it runs fine, just want to build it up...

I have headers on my 93, and the manifolds on the 89 are cracked, and I plan to replace with headers or weld the crack...
Thanks for the help Dave

 

Since that '86 engine may be in pretty good shape, are you still planning a total rebuild on it? New pistons & cam, or just rings and a valve job?

I've built a couple of 289's (one mild and one wild) from the bare block up, and also transplanted a 1970 351W into my '67 fastback. That was a nice, reliable, smooth strong running motor, and I've had a sweet spot for the 351 ever since. If you could slip that old 351 I had into your truck, I guarantee you would like it!

Get a good 'how to' book on rebuilding the small block fords. 20 years ago, you could f ind one in any large bookstore, but you may have to look a little harder nowadays.

While some of my knowledge on the subject is a little out of date, I think you've got yourself a great project truck. It's got me thinking about the old days, and I wouldn't mind sharing some of the stuff I learned. I'll e-mail you directly sometime next week with a few random thoughts.

[This message has been edited by dirt bike dave (edited 01-31-2000).]

 

Sounds good Dave, thanks for any help!!!!

I really haven't decided what to do...I guess any suggestions would work...I haven't ever swapped a 351 in place of a EFI'd 302. Its a trial and error thing you know... The wrecker claims it has 86k...Its a greaseball, my dad had a 86 with the 351HO and a C-6... He said it ran great until he overreved it and broke a ring,,,which caused excessive oil consumption...I know the guy who has the truck now, rebuilt it several years back, never fixed the oil ring...I think he said it had over 200k...

 

Pastmaster-
I sent you an e-mail on 02/03 with a long attachment, but I just got a return notice from Yahoo. I guess I made a typo on your Toydestroyer1 e-mail address. Let me know if you don't get the e-mail or can't open the attachment.