1986 F-150 Engine swap

6919 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Mr Mac, Feb 22, 2012

xjamezzx

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2012

Hello im james and im new here had a few questions about an engine swap i was considering. i Found a 1986 F-150 that i was looking to purchase and i talked to the guy and he didnt know much about what was wrong with it. He said the engine was weak but it runs and drives. Im not very smart when it comes to engines so now im here. Im thinking of buying the truck(its only $500) and putting a engine in it. im looking for something i could just drop put in it with out too much hassle and that is cost friendly. I was told it has a stock 302 in it now. would it be a better to put another stock engine in it or something else. someone told me i can put a 351 windsor in it and it would be better. i dont really know what i should do but i am on a budget. i am looking for something that has a decent amount of hp and torque. something i can still be able to tow a trailer with and be a daily driver. im just looking for opinions cuz like i said i dont really know anything about it. (my father in law is a mechanic and will be doing the swap) thanks!!

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Mr Mac

· #2 · Feb 21, 2012

Welcome aboard James!

The Ford 302 engine is a member of the Ford 335 family of engines which includes the 351W. The 351W had a taller block and heads to allow for a 3.5 inch stroke over the 302s 3 inch stroke. The good new for you is that the 351W is an easy engine to find and it will drop straight in place of a 302 since the bell housing and motor mount bolt locations are the same!

Depending on your location you can find Windsor motors a lot cheaper than many other Ford engines and, in my humble opinion, they are much sturdier motors than their Cleveland counterparts and cheaper to work on!

Good luck and keep us informed on your decision!

Mac

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xjamezzx

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 22, 2012

Thanks for the reply mac. WIll everything bolt on the 351w from the 302 or will i have to buy new parts. mostly concerned about wire harnesses and fuel lines? would it be better to carb it or keep the EFI?

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Mr Mac

· #4 · Feb 22, 2012

Engine accessories are usually a hit and miss unless you get an engine from a similar vehicle with similar options and the odds on that are slim. Engine configurations vary from year to year but the good news is that most of the components can be bolted in and wired up if all you change is the engine.

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