Replace the engine?
 

Hi all,

So I've been told by the mechanic looking at my '79 Ranger that I have two burned valves and rather than replace the heads, I'm considering getting a new engine and putting it in. Right now it has a 351 Cleveland in it, but if I'm going to get a new engine anyway, I thought I'd look at other options. I'd rather not mess with the transmission and hope to get an engine that fits well. Suggestions?

Hi, Nice truck - lots of potential. As a fellow F150 short box 4x4 owner, I would suggest that you go with a 460 swap. All you need can be found at L and L products. 400 to 500 ponies is easily obtained with gobs of torque on tap. I can't keep the smile off my face when I drive my truck!

Thanks Alberta. Do you know if the 460 swaps out easily with the 351C?

The 351c has the same bell pattern as the 351Windsor. The heads also will fit on a Windsor block with a special intake so that means it has more in common with the Windsors than any other Ford engine. That being said, you would likely have to replace the bell/trans.

Your truck came with either the 300 inline six or the 351/400M. If the Cleveland was installed then I'd guess it had the 300 prior. You might want to stay with a small block maybe an injected 5.0 H.O?

Yeah that ^^^. A 5.0L (302) or a 5.8L (351W) would be a direct bolt-in and you won't have to find another transmission. If you're looking for a little more power and torque, you might want to consider a stroked 302 or 351W. A stroked 351 will provide some serious stump-pulling torque! Either way, the 351C is a great engine but it's more expensive to build as it was only around for a few years and factory/aftermarket support for it is limited relative to the Windsor family of small blocks. Sure, a 460 is nice but it's not practical if you're looking for a more direct replacement...you'll use a little less gas too. I'm a bit more of a fan of the 351W over the 302 because of the larger journals, rod bolts, and 'oomph' but they both would be a great replacement. The 351W built basically stock but with a warmer cam, intake, and headers will make you happy. My two cents...

351C & 351W not the same bolt pattern. 302 & 351W same

The bell housing pattern is the same for 289, 302, 351W, AND 351C...

Plus, you can use the same motor mounts not to mention that 351C heads can be bolted onto a 302 (Boss 302).

you are wrong- the 351C has a 429 bolt pattern

Nope...sorry but you are. I know wikipedia is not the end all beat all as far as being the most accurate source of information on the planet but in this case, it's correct. The 351M and the 400M share it with the 429/460. Again, the 351C is the small block pattern...I've owned one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...using_patterns

With the needle in a haystack exception of 400 blocks which were used with the fmx Tranny, which have a Windsor pattern, and freak 400 blocks which have both patterns.

Can we see some engine pictures? Alot of people can't tell a M from a C because the heads are the same.