'79 F-150 4x4 351m for 302 swap
12-08-2016, 08:19 PM
#1
'79 F-150 4x4 351m for 302 swap
Hello Everyone,
I'm new here. I just got a '79 F-150 Ranger 4x4 4 speed with the 351m in it. The previous owner said that he was getting around 11 MPG.
I'd like to put a carbureted 302 motor in it, built for the best MPG possible. I'm in a no smog check county so I'd like to make it as free breathing as I can.
What all do I need to make it happen?
Thank you,
Joe
I'm new here. I just got a '79 F-150 Ranger 4x4 4 speed with the 351m in it. The previous owner said that he was getting around 11 MPG.
I'd like to put a carbureted 302 motor in it, built for the best MPG possible. I'm in a no smog check county so I'd like to make it as free breathing as I can.
What all do I need to make it happen?
Thank you,
Joe
12-11-2016, 10:57 PM
#2
Senior Member
Is something wrong with the 351? You're going to spend more to swap then you're going to save in MPG from the 302...the difference in MPG will be negligible.
12-13-2016, 01:49 PM
#3
I don't know that happened to my earlier reply to your message...but here goes again
Yes, the current 351 is seized as the truck sat for 8 years.
Since the motor has to come out anyway, I thought that it might be a good idea to put something in a bit more efficient.
I found an '89 5.0 HO for $400 that has low miles and thought that I'd give that a go
Yes, the current 351 is seized as the truck sat for 8 years.
Since the motor has to come out anyway, I thought that it might be a good idea to put something in a bit more efficient.
I found an '89 5.0 HO for $400 that has low miles and thought that I'd give that a go
12-13-2016, 02:34 PM
#4
Senior Member
I believe you would have to find a different hogshead, which shouldn't be terribly hard to do. Also, of course, get a correct flywheel for a 5.0. I suppose you would also need the correct motor mount perches.
I would prefer a 5.0 over a 351m. From what I've heard of the 351m they weren't that great of a motor. The 351m would likely serve you if you got one in good shape to begin with, or a quality rebuilt.
I would prefer a 5.0 over a 351m. From what I've heard of the 351m they weren't that great of a motor. The 351m would likely serve you if you got one in good shape to begin with, or a quality rebuilt.
12-13-2016, 06:01 PM
#5
Thanks 88xlt
I've heard the same thing that the 351M wasn't Fords best. There seems to be TONS of upgrades for the 302 to make it a real performer. I understand that the 351M put out 156hp but that is easily beat by a 302 with some basic changes.
I don't want to go crazy but these are the mods I'm considering at the moment:
Edelbrock Performer carb, intake and heads
MSD ignition
Headers (long tubes that will fit)
A decent cam for mileage primarily (power should I need/want it)
As I mentioned above, I would like to put headers on it. I saw something a while back about "Sanderson"(sp) headers fitting a 302 in a '79 4x4 but cannot find that now.
The 5.0 is currently in an '89 Lincoln LSC. It still runs. Couldn't I use the flywheel off that motor?
I've heard the same thing that the 351M wasn't Fords best. There seems to be TONS of upgrades for the 302 to make it a real performer. I understand that the 351M put out 156hp but that is easily beat by a 302 with some basic changes.
I don't want to go crazy but these are the mods I'm considering at the moment:
Edelbrock Performer carb, intake and heads
MSD ignition
Headers (long tubes that will fit)
A decent cam for mileage primarily (power should I need/want it)
As I mentioned above, I would like to put headers on it. I saw something a while back about "Sanderson"(sp) headers fitting a 302 in a '79 4x4 but cannot find that now.
The 5.0 is currently in an '89 Lincoln LSC. It still runs. Couldn't I use the flywheel off that motor?
Last edited by Joe_B; 12-13-2016 at 06:26 PM.