You're over thinking it. Just use the right water pump. Personally, I prefer the rollers (94.5 thru 96) because there is a lot of great stuff for them, and they aren't as noisy. All of the 5.0 HO cams, etc. can be used on the roller 351. Heads too if you get them drilled.

 

I'm actually thinking of her. So if I tell her to find a 95\96 351 Windsor she'll have what you're suggesting?

 

95/96's 351s are actually fairly tough to find anymore, at least here. Not a lot of OBS that are parted out or came with the 5.8. Seems most have the 4.9 or 5.0 overall. There is one here for sale with 221k on it for 575. Not sure if I would go this route with those miles. Nothing a good machine shop can't fix, if you have the extra cash to pay them their prices. lol

Whitey did well finding the one he got.

 

Well that sucks. I assume the same here for finding one. I still have the 4.6 and 4r70w but it would be nice to avoid the electronics.

 

Are you opposed to a 302? I mean, there are several Explorers in the JY with a 5.0 in them. You can use an AOD/AODE there too. They are all roller motors and will either have GT40 or GT40P heads on them. They are seriously a decent cam and better valve springs away from 260-280 hp.

 

That's an idea. I went to the Windsor because of their popularity and the abundance of support for the engine. I suspect she'll have the car long after I'm gone to help her with it. She had better anyways.

 

Anybody know what the accepted rules are for putting a sealed battery inside the cab? I know for the old batteries with the fill caps locating it inside the cab was a no no.

 

BMW and Audi put flooded batteries under the rear seats... never understood that.

I think it you use a Gel battery, you'd be good as long as you put it in a battery box.

Speaking of batteries, I picked up this to take with me next week since I'll be away from home. Still undecided as to whether I am taking my truck or the Toyota.

 

Nice. I've got a Duracell and the thing is huge and heavy. It's also a compressor, has various lights and takes forever to charge. I've thought many times of these smaller, lighter, more convenient jump starters when I see them. Good score.

It's not a Gel or AGM battery. Just sealed which most are now. I had intended to put in a box. If I hadn't lowered the truck I would have considered a through the floor access box. I've been thinking about the different ways I can clean up the engine bay from all the devices in it. The little stuff I can bury under a false firewall.

 

Rivers, I can't post this in a PM. Is this the right charger? It says it is fully automatic, and also a maintainer. Something may be wrong with yours in particular?