- Joined
- Jan 28, 2017
- Messages
- 288
- Reaction score
- 44
- Points
- 28
- Location
- Leicester, NC
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Engine Size
- 302
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
- Tire Size
- 205/60R15 & 225/60R15
Okay, I already have an older 302 in my 2WD '87 Ranger but I'm going to build a new motor to replace the one I run now. I have a '95 roller cam 351W and a '96 roller cam 5.0 setting in an outbuilding. The 5.0 would be pretty direct swap of course. I'll swap my oil pan, intake, distributor, water pump, fan, timing cover, fuel pump fulcrum and my alternator bracket but I'll have to buy a 50oz balancer and a new flywheel since my old motor is 28oz balance. For the 351w I'll need a new intake, oil pan, pickup tube, distributor, alternator bracket and cut on the frame a tad to make my Tri-Ys fit but I can still reuse everything from the timing cover forward off my old motor and I can use my 28oz flywheel. Whichever motor I'll use I'll rebuild the short block with stock crank and rods, not a stroker motor in either case, flat top or dome pistons with a big cam, aluminum intake, roller rockers. I have a set of '70 Windsor heads that I'm using on whichever I decide to build. Question is, on a mild build is the 351W worth all the extra work and money? If it were a race truck with a huge Windsor stroker motor maybe but just a mild street truck? I know there's no substitute for cubic inches but I figure they'll be at least a $500-$1000 price difference just to use the 351. Not to mention the added nose weight if I use the 351. If it makes a difference I use a carburetor, Duraspark ignition, mechanical fuel pump and a mechanical fan. I don't have PS, PB or AC to worry with.