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Got the motor and trans dropped in the other day also got the hedders bolted up. I've read in a lot of posts that the headers hit the frame. These hedan hedders dropped right in no problems
Here are some more pics of the build. Ran into some issues with the Ford Racing valve covers that Summit Racing lists as being made specially for EFI trucks.
Direct bolt on header pipes from sweet thunder exhaust in Michigan. Perfect fit, tucks in just before the cross member.
The upper intake was hitting the PCV valve. Supposedly these covers will work on EFI Truck motors. That was not the case. I had to cut into the grommet about 3/16 of an inch and had to take the plastic elbow off the PCV and trim that another 1/4 in. so that it would clear the intake. All in all a very easy fix, but it took a call to a friend and about an hour of scratching my head to figure this out.
As you can see in this picture the intake just barely clears the PCV with the hose installed. Also has to extend the PCV hose from the 302 motor slightly due to the wider intake on the 351W.
Powder coated brackets and intake. Just wanted a little shine under the hood. I never disconnected the compressor so I couldnt't clean it up to good. Thought it would be good enough. Thought wrong! This is the problem we have with doing rebuilds.... Where do you stop! FYI, the PS bracket is off a 1986 E150 ford Van that used a saginaw style pump. One of the 1st and best mods I did up to this point. No more PS pump whine.
Fired up the motor last Saturday. Couldn't believe how fast it started. One 1 small leak from the stupid aftermarket T stat housing. Decided to have an exhaust shop hang the exhaust so that it was done right. Should be able to post pics on Monday of the exhaust.
Swap is finally complete. Between the headers, cam, and duals the truck sounds awesome! At idle you can clearly tell that the truck has headers and a cam. Stomp on the gas and the exhaust comes alive. Before doing this I read a lot of posts saying how difficult it is running LT headers (running exhaust, hitting the frame, etc). I did not experience any fitment issues at all with the hedman elite series headers and the sweet thunder direct bolt on header pipes. So if your thinking about it just make sure you get the right parts and you won't be sorry. I will post final pics this weekend.
I thought this may happen. The extra weight of the 351W caused the front to sag a little bit causing me to have to take it into the alignment shop to get the camber adjusted. Just when you think you're done there's always something else.
09-19-2016, 09:39 PM
