Vannin' Home Forums Ford Performance (Ford) New Engine!

Scored a low mileage 351 for my Econoline. The old 302 seems to be getting a little tired. Started asking around about an engine for sale and less than 20 minutes later my buddy gave me a guys number. 65,000 miles, all accessories included, and it might be one of the cleanest non show engines I've seen. Only $200. Should start the swap in a week or so.

Sweet. Great score! I'm going to totally strip my 81 and scrap the rusty carcass. I'll be getting the 351 ready for the next one, which I hope to have in the next couple of weeks. It's an 88 with a 302/AOD and 150k miles, so I may need the 351 to be ready in the not too distant future. Please keep us posted on your progress!

Whoa guys- hang on. Be sure you have all the necessary bits to swap the 351 in place of the 302. At a bare minimum you need motor mounts and the correct flywheel for the 351 and the transmission you are running. To get the right flywheel for your 351 trans combination, go to this website and then select your engine/trans combination from the list. http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/FLYford.html

If you are trying to put a carbed 351 into an injected 302 van you will also need a 351 fuel injection computer and the 351 truck/van fuel injection intake manifolds, fuel rail and air intake system, plus the exhaust is different on a 351 than on a 302 (unless you are running dual exhausts).

302 intakes won't work on a 351. A larger radiator would also be a good idea. If you are swapping a carbed 351 in place of a injected 302, you will have to also swap the timing cover and serpentine belt system from the 302 onto the 351 but get a serpentine belt for a 351. ou will need serpentine belt driven accessories (or swap the pulleys on the carbed accessories).

Thanks for the heads up, Reed. The motor came complete with all the accessories, flexplate and the computer. Everything is there from the intake to the pan. It came out of a 1988 Econoline and is going in my 1991. Only thing I will have to worry about is the exhaust. I already upgraded my cooling system a while back the first time I saw it get a little warm in 100 degree heat with the A/C on.

Sounds like a fun swap. You gonna add any goodies to the 351 before entry?

Saabguy- sounds like yours will be a very easy swap then I sounds like you have everything you need. I do recommend you check the condition of the timing chain while the motor is out and go ahead and replace very single gasket on the motor while you have easy access. Also clean it to the best of your ability since once that engine is in the van access is limited.

Be sure the flex plate matches the motor AND the transmission. AODs and C-6s use different offset flex plates. I found out the hard way….

I plan on doing some painting, gaskets, and clean up the ports(mostly exhaust side). Seriously contemplating a mild cam while it's out which would be a great time to do a double roller chain. I already have a box from summit with 8mm wires, spark plugs, cap, and rotor.

Thanks for the advice Reed. My 351 will get a complete rebuild with lots of new toys. I just hope the 302 lasts long enough for me to get the budget ready!

Looks like the engine came out an 89 due to the fact it had an E4OD bolted to it. Does anyone have a flexplate for a 5.8/AOD?

Well this swap is getting a little more difficult. I need a 5.8/C6 SD computer. If anyone has one send me a pm. Thanks in advance.

I'll dig thru my stuff. I've got a small stack of ECMs somewhere in that garage.