Snaggletooth

I have a 1990 F150 4x4 with the 5.0 302. I want to swap it out for the 351. The old 302 doesn't seem like it's going to put up with much, but I don't know the problems I'll have to deal with to put a 351 in it. I'd appreciate any help from y'all.

Taterz

I'm in the process of the exact same swap with a 95 at the moment. I've done a good bit of research on this. I'm going to have a bit easier time because i'm MAF and you're most likely speed density. I did do this a number of years ago but was doing a stock 5.8 from 5.0 conversion. I had a totaled 96 donor and I put the 5.8 into a 92. It was a pretty easy swap as the computer learned everything it needed to and it ran fine after about an hour or so of learning. The research I did led me down the path of learning the limitations of the factory computer. The factory computer is pretty adaptable but you run into issues with the WOT spark curve when you start getting into the more serious mods. Are you going stock or are you looking to do a performance build?

Snaggletooth

Going stock with this truck

Taterz

Well, you'll to need to get a harness and a computer for the 351. The firing order on the 93 and earlier 302 is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. The 94-96 302 is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 which is the same as the Windsor. If you want to stay OBD1 you can get a computer from a 94-95 5.0L truck. You can use a 96 computer but the switch to OBD II came in the 96 models and that's a whole other can o' worms. You can also switch over to a MAF system at the same time which will make life easier if you decide to make more mods in the future.

Taterz

I'm not entirely sure the firing order is a huge deal. The speed density setups used batch fire injection and the MAF systems are sequential so it may be inconsequential but i'd swap the computer to be on the safe side. Maybe someone else can chime in here to confirm that the computer won't matter. I would say that you're much better off going MAF with this swap as it's more forgiving and a computer from a salvage yard won't cost you very much.

Taterz

Here's a link to some really good info that will help you. Has pretty much all the info you'll need on computers, pinouts, etc... I refer to it all the time when i'm doing swaps or building an engine for something.

http://oldfuelinjection.com/

Snaggletooth

Thanks for the help, I can get started now.

Snaggletooth

I don't think I'll be going to the 351, when I do eventually change engines I'll switch to something carbureted instead of EFI. Oh I miss my carburetor.

Robert Rickman

Im planning to pull my stock 5.0(bad head gasket,rear main.) and swap a 5.8 in my '94 XLT. As long as I stay with the same intake between 94-96, I should be fine without a computer swap? I plan on new exhaust as well, maybe a basic chip.