BigKuntry1993

I'm about to buy a 1985 f150 4.9 4 speed 4x4 from a friend and he was in the process of swapping the 4.9 and getting ready to drop in the 351w. He lost interest so I'm going to buy the truck my question is will the 351w bolt to the bell housing and if so what all components would need to be replaced

Deadnfate

Hey BigKuntry

I am doing a very similar swap. I bought a 86 xlt lariat 4x4, 4speed manual 5.0, motor was seized so I found a 351w out of a 96 f250 for $300.

To answer your question, Yes the 4.9L, 5.0L, and 5.8L all have the same bell housing bolts. And will line up perfectly. Everything should work, so long as the motor you got was from a Stick shift as well. In other words it should have a 28oz flywheel.

I would, if your budget persists, take this time to upgrade or replace anything that looks worn while you're there. Clutch, ThrowOut bearing, re-surface flywheel, etc etc. Or upgrade to a 5-speed which Im doing as well.

BigKuntry1993

Thanks I appreciate it. And yes I was planning on replacing the clutch pilot bearing and all that before I put the motor in

DrinkinGasoline

Was the I6 blown? Why the swap? Just curious.

BigKuntry1993

No the motor was not blown he just said it was underpowered I think it was loosing compretion in one of the cylinders so I was planning on rebuilding the inline six and putting it back in. And the reason he stopped working on the truck is his lack of mechanical know how

DrinkinGasoline

I would stick with your thought of rebuilding the I6. The Big Six is a proven, reliable powerplant. I6's are not known for speed, but for power. For example: Our family business had the old 240 I6 (which the 300 is based on) in a '55 Ford Vanette Dually with the creeper gear.
That truck would pull trucks twice it's size out of job sites full of mud. (with me at 15 years old doing it). Yes, I'm old.
Plenty of torque and then some. I am currently rebuilding a 82 I6 to replace my rebuilt 302.

This says it better:

http://www.f150hub.com/specs/ford-300.html

Ford's 300 cubic inch straight 6 engine, nicknamed the "Big Six", was introduced in 1965. It was originally based on the smaller 240 ci six cylinder, but with a longer stroke. The Ford 300 and later 4.9L I-6 (Ford converted to metric in 1983) earned an incredible reputation of strength and reliability over the course of 41 years of service. The engine is known for being a rugged, dependable workhorse, and is considered by many to be one of the best engine's produced for a pickup. The fact that it produced torque extremely low in the operating range contributed to its popularity, and most examples suggest that the engine's longevity is unmatched by any rival. Ford's 300 ci was not limited to F-Series pickups - it was used in a variety of vehicles and equipment, including agricultural/construction equipment, tractors, heavy duty dump/utility trucks, generators, and delivery trucks. For those looking for a fast truck, the 4.9L may not be the best choice. But if you're in the market for a solid, reliable pickup, there are few choices better than a 300/4.9L straight six powered Ford pickup.

Johnboy429bbf

There's nothing wrong with a 351w or any of the ford v8s. If you follow thru with the swap youll really enjoy the v8 power and the torque. I'm not putting the I6 down. I'm just pro v8. I'd rather have the power and not need it then need it and not have it.

gdstock

I just picked up an 84 with the 4.9L with auto tranny. I am also thinking about swapping the engine but will probably swap tranny out as well. My son went to pick the truck up (bought it after seeing two pics and without driving it). His only complaint was high rev at 80 mph. Oh the days of the 55 mph speed limit!


So I will be looking at a newer tranny with OD. Keep posting if you do the swap!

D.Tolliver

I am swapping out my 302 in my 1985 ford which is efi and I'm putting in a 351 Cleveland carb. The 351 Cleveland is a complete motor. Will the swap be easy. And can I get any information about the wiring. Thanks in advance.