351 swap with air

[92 street truck]

I'm getting ready to swap a 351W into my truck it came factory with air and I would like to keep it. Have any of you been able to do a 351W swap and still keep the air?

 

[Teddyzee]

Should be no different than a 302 with air.

 

[Tominator]

For the 5.0 you trim the heater box a bit and the 351 has a higher deck height and that moves the heads out a bit so more trimming and rerouting of hoses.

Getting a good set of headers in there will be more of a problem that the heater box and keeping the AC....

So, yes you can.....just be prepared for some headaches.....nothing unusual.

 

[Teddyzee]

And we'll assume you are talking about a 1992 Ranger.
You'll need an Explorer type 90degree elbow between the intake manifold/throttle body to clear the evaporator. SN95 angled intake may work, too. Unless you you choose carb.

(Tominator! Coolest truck ever!)

 

[92 street truck]

Teddyzee

Yes definatly going with a carb but this is a 351W so I'm trying to insure air is possible to retain even thought about looking into an AC/heater box from a factory V-8 explorer. And yes my truck is a 92

 

[Teddyzee]

The heater box from a 5.0 Explorer will not fit your truck, the firewall changed in 1995. Still should not be an issue.
You will need to trim a big corner of the box, but not the area with the evaporator in it.

 

[Tominator]

Give you an idea how close everything is. Someday I'm going to relocate the dryer so I can use a Fox TB and gain some space. If you look closely the heater box was trimmed just to the left of the throttle linkage.

I've got a built 347 and T-trim sitting here with a Downs Racing intake on it. The Downs is smaller than the GT40 and a 1" spacer may provide the clearance to go above the AC lines....it never ends!

A carb will be much easier.....I think there is room under there for a dual plane high rise.....which should wake up a 351! Don't scrimp on the exhaust.....headers should be used and some modification of the frame will be in order.

Thanks for the props Ted.......like yourself the Ranger is my pride and joy!

 

[92 street truck]

Any Pics

If any one has any pics of the AC and heat box mods on a 351W swap I would love to see them

 

[Tominator]

Little better pic. You have to trim, but not much.