351W swap into 94 3.0 2wd

[merrok45]

I have gotten a hold of a 351 Windsor. Im going to build it and possibly bore and stroke it to a 408 while Im at it. Im going to convert it it carburated for the fact that it will be much simpler.

Im looking for info on motor mounts and headers right now. Heck, and anything else critical to the swap with this motor. There is plenty of stuff for the 302/5.0, but what about the 351? Im sure some others have done this swap, so Im just looking for some info on were to start.

Im going to keep it 2WD and will have either a 5 or 6 speed tremec behind it.

 

[Teddyzee]

Mustang mounts '87-'95 are ideal.
Convertible and all '94/'95 (V8) are the lowest.

 

[SAY789]

Im trying the plate mount and 4.0 mounts right now on my 4x4 351 swap, they sit nice. As for headers, i got a set of shorty trick flow headers that came on it and they clear the steering shaft by a half inch. The motor setup was in a 1990 bronco fullsize 4x4

 

[projectnitemare]

The V6 lowers and plates do work well and you can get the engine pretty low if you play around and drill new holes. The other nice thing is you have a bit of play room when you make these to offset the engine if needed to help clear headers. I believe total performance has a set of 351 headers now but you may have to use their mounts. The 2wd part will make life easier for you since you don't have to clear a front driveshaft. In all reality this is the same as a 302 swap, you just have to be picky on finding headers. Lots of different manifolds will fit but if you are going with a stroker you want headers. You will need to take a bigger cut out of the heater box too. I'm sure there are more parts out thereby now; I was one of the early ones to use a 351, it's been in there going on 10 years now. I'm using a set of custom long tube headers. Don't be afraid to try whatever you can get your hands on.

Matt

 

[v-8power]

Total Performance no longer offers those headers.

 

[Dan B.]

Total Performance no longer offers those headers.

Good....cuz they kind sucked anyhow. Mine required several mods just to clear plug wires, mini starter and getting a few bolts in was VERY tight.

 

[v-8power]

Good....cuz they kind sucked anyhow. Mine required several mods just to clear plug wires, mini starter and getting a few bolts in was VERY tight.

I used them on my 351 without issues, using them on a 302 is another story. I had to heat them up and bend them some to clear the starter.

 

[merrok45]

Thanks for the tips. Now Anybody know about how much HP/TQ the rangers frame can handle. Im going for 500+ Hp out of this engine, and I will possibly throw an 8-71 blower on top just for the hell of it. Anybody have experience with high hp motors in a ranger? I was going to install a 8 or 10 pt roll cage in it but is there anything else needed to reinforce the frame?

 

[projectnitemare]

They done handle 500hp well in stock form, mine is twisted. I was pulling around 525 at the flywheel. Granted this is an offroad truck so I gets twisted up doing that too. If you are going to put a full cage in it that should be a pretty good start to make it a lot stronger. You would probably be fine with that if you feel you need more box the frame. You will need some help in the traction department for sure. Not sure what you plan on for the rear suspension so that could dictate any other frame stiffening.

Matt

 

[merrok45]

They done handle 500hp well in stock form, mine is twisted. I was pulling around 525 at the flywheel. Granted this is an offroad truck so I gets twisted up doing that too. If you are going to put a full cage in it that should be a pretty good start to make it a lot stronger. You would probably be fine with that if you feel you need more box the frame. You will need some help in the traction department for sure. Not sure what you plan on for the rear suspension so that could dictate any other frame stiffening.

Matt

Im figuring Im going with a ford 9'' rear end. As of right now I am not sure which way im going with the truck. Either Im going to drop it a slight bit and go for a Pro-Touring look or Im going to lift it and put a long travel suspension on it. Not sure which.

Im going to work on building the motor and trans and installing them first. By then hopefully i will decide on the rest of the truck. lol

 

[darkman]

thought this might help you out, on my build i used V6 mounts and some home made brakets.