351 Cleveland swap into 1992 Ranger.

[rambleford]

OK guys I've been bouncing around the search and checking the tech library for info on performing this swap but am only finding vague discussions with no details. I have a great running '73 351C and C-6 that I would like to install in my '92 Ranger. I would like to contact someone through email who has done this swap or get details about mounts used and exhaust manifolds etc. I know the 351W and 302 swaps would be a lot simpler but I like the 351C and the fact that it isn't the norm. This truck is currently my daily driver so I would like to get the details in order and everything in place to minimize down time as much as possible. Any info or direction you can give would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Mutant Pony]

It is nearly identical to a 302 swap but the engine is just a little longer, 1 1/2" I think. I couldn't fit a fan in between the rad and water pump.
You need to buy an aftermarket "Fox body" oil pan.
The 302 swap mounts will work perfectly.
I don't have any Idea what to use for exhaust. This is a rare swap so there is very little info out there.
I highly suggest that you find a different DD and make sure your Ranger is in a place it can sit for a while, Just in case you run into a snag.

 

[rambleford]

Thanks

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if the mounts for the other swaps would work. I knew the length difference would be an issue and planned on modifying the radiator core support to get a radiator in place and running a pusher fan for cooling. The exhaust would be a stab in the dark, but I know there are some guys out there who had performed this swap and hoped there may have been an "off the shelf" manifold or header they had used. If push comes to shove I'll get a kit from Summit or Jegs and fab some up. The engine is out of a 1973 Cougar that was a rust bucket basket case, maybe the manifolds will work if I'm lucky. As for the DD, my dad just blew both head gaskets in his '92 Ranger when the rear freeze plug inside the bell housing failed, so I was going to swap in my 3.0 and use his Ranger as a driver until I can get the 351C in mine. I just want to get everything in order and get all the parts together so that when I am able to do the swap, the downtime is minimized as much as possible. If anybody else has more info to offer, I'd love to hear it.

 

[Tominator]

I'd sell the 351. It's a low compression motor and any good HO 5.0 will outperform it.

The C6 is HEAVY AND BIG!

You will need to do some modifications to the tunnel. Custom mount and drive shaft.

The windsor series oil pans will not fit that block.

Custom headers unless you remove the inner fender wells.

IMHO, you'll have a solid month of work to do this.....not to mention the beer...no bottles though. This is going to get frustrating...

 

[Mutant Pony]

Mine is a 4x4 so I used a 3" body lift to give me the room I needed. There is nothing even remotely close to a clearance problem. My '74 Montego engine came with a c4 behind it. The c4 will fit the tunnel easily.
I used a full size '79 Bronco radiator, cut the peices off the core support that moved the radiator back, bolted the radiator directly to the core support. I had to cut away a small area at the top of the core support for the rad to fit. I removed the brace that runs from the hood latch down to the bottom of the core support which mounts the grille. That gave me enough room for a slim fit, pusher fan. That rad won't fit without the body lift though.
One other thing, I had a lot of problems with the steering shaft clearing the cylinder head. It may have to do with the way I mounted the motor though.
I would really like to see you do this. As you said, it is different. A 5.0 H.O. is not.
The fox body/351c oilpan IS available aftermarket.
Oh, I just remembered. A friend of mine just did a 302/c6 swap into a 2wd Ranger. There was NO clearance issue.

 

[almostclueless]

I'd sell the 351. It's a low compression motor and any good HO 5.0 will outperform it.

LOL....any stock 5.0 is low compression too....difference is, the 351C doesn't have an exhaust port smaller than most postage stamps.

The windsor series oil pans will not fit that block.

Fortunately, fox body pans for the 351C exist.


MP posted because he's actually done it.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Another little bit of info. The 351c can be modified to nearly twice the H.P. that the 5.0 is capable of. This was proven at the last "top engine challange". Over 800 H.P.,naturally aspirated, pump gas, 10-1 compression. The bad part is the "C" heads are EXPENSIVE!

 

[baddad457]

I don't get where y'all think the Cleveland is longer. Same bore size, same cylinder spacing. Yea the block is longer due to the timing case extension, but the timing cover itself is a flat stamped steel piece that the waterpump (same length as the Windsors) bolts directly to. HP potential ? Just take a look at the last Engine Master's competition. The winner was a lowly 400.

 

[rambleford]

Hot debate

I knew this topic might cause a heated debate among the new school and old school guys, but in my experience with a buddies '72 351C powered Mach I and the '85 5.0 GT I owned, that Mach would run circles around my GT. I know all engines are different but I had several mods done to my 5.0 and he had a basically stock high mileage MachI with a mild cam, headers and intake in a bigger car. I am not neccessarily looking for a screamer like on youtube blowing off an SRT-10, (look that up if you haven't seen it under "Ranger versus SRT-10), just a torquey, fun streetable truck with a wow factor when you pop the hood. My truck is 2 wheel drive and I'm looking to deck the engine out in old school Mustang dress up goodies and have a paint scheme based on the Mach I style of blacked out hood and rocker stripe. Once again, thanks for all the info Pro or Con and keep it coming if you have anything to offer.

 

[sloue]

find hot_ rod_ car he has a 351c in his ranger he jacked my build thread with it go look started my v8 swap

 

[Mutant Pony]

I knew this topic might cause a heated debate among the new school and old school guys, but in my experience with a buddies '72 351C powered Mach I and the '85 5.0 GT I owned, that Mach would run circles around my GT. I know all engines are different but I had several mods done to my 5.0 and he had a basically stock high mileage MachI with a mild cam, headers and intake in a bigger car. I am not neccessarily looking for a screamer like on youtube blowing off an SRT-10, (look that up if you haven't seen it under "Ranger versus SRT-10), just a torquey, fun streetable truck with a wow factor when you pop the hood. My truck is 2 wheel drive and I'm looking to deck the engine out in old school Mustang dress up goodies and have a paint scheme based on the Mach I style of blacked out hood and rocker stripe. Once again, thanks for all the info Pro or Con and keep it coming if you have anything to offer.

I installed my "C" stock, It is not a serious race truck but, It is lots of fun to drive. It can get away from you if you're not paying attention. I made a set of headers fit (I don't know what they were made for).
Don't use those cheap chrome valve covers, They will only cause problems and they don't look that good. FRPP has a really nice set of cast aluminum ones that I would love to own. I would really like to get my hands on some original 302 or 351 boss valve covers.

 

[rednekranger91]

Im getting ready to put a 302 with a c-4 in to my 91 4x4 ranger will i have to get new drive shafts or will the current ones work any advice will help out alot thanks

 

[pud]

... winner was a lowly 400.

this is the attitude that keeps them cheap.
The 400 is badass, for $2k I could do a full rebuild/performance mod and have 400hp 450 ft/lbs

 

[Psychopete]

this is the attitude that keeps them cheap.
The 400 is badass, for $2k I could do a full rebuild/performance mod and have 400hp 450 ft/lbs

IMO, Building a 400M is more expensive than a 351C . Same engine family, but quite a few differences (but some similarities), both have dry lower intakes, but will not directly interchange because of deck heights. Not sure if a stock 400 could be "built up" for 2K, I ditched mine because of cost and practicality. A 400M setting next to a 302W makes it look like a little baby.

Pete

 

[baddad457]

The biggest hurdle in building a 400 is the price of custom pistons. Otherwise you're limited to the O.E. replacements that leave the piston top .100" shy of the deck at TDC. I built one using forged 351C flattops and had more than 2 grand into it when i was done. It ran great on 93 octane premium gas (with it's 9.7 to 1 comp ratio), but no better than a late 60's 390 I simply overhauled (had $600 in that motor)that had a 10.25 to 1 comp ratio that would digest 89 octane.