Best bare bones v8 block to start.

[Dirtman]

I have no immediate plans to do a v8 swap on my truck. But have considered it and was thinking about just picking up an engine and tinkering with it. And by tinkering I mean building it 100% myself including the machining. Here's the million dollar question.

I'm gonna start checking junk yards for candidates but through the 50+ year history of the small block ford, is there any special years, or models to look for. And again remember I'm building from the bare block so heads, intake, etc dont matter. Just the block...

 

[Snoranger]

Mid 93+ 351W, F4TE block. It's a roller cam ready block. Bore it and stroke it to a 408.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I did that with my swap years ago... I didn't machine the block myself but I did my own cylinder head work. I used old iron when I did mine... today I would be looking at what Deathbypsi used and start there. I'm pretty sure in his build thread he lists what he used... and yes... I would probably mega squirt it also.

I have considered collecting those parts and doing that swap... but I'm leaning towards something with a V and W and using that smelly fuel.

 

[Dirtman]

Isnt the 351 wider up top than the 302? Even though the swap is way off I still want the engine to be a relatively easy and keep AC and all that. It will still be 100% daily driver. I want reliability above all else. I'd be happy as a clam with 300hp at the crank. With that power its quick for a sleeper, but still nice and reliable and comfortable to drive.

My dream swap is something ford would have done and still offered a good warranty on lol.

 

[bobbywalter]

300 6 with speedway intake/ex and a fi tech.

 

[Snoranger]

Since you have a 2009 and live in NJ, you have to worry about passing emissions. I'm in the same boat. I want to just throw an Explorer 5.0 in my Ranger, but there is no 2002 (09 for you) 5.0l to use.
To pass emissions with a V8, you'll have to go with a 4.6 or 5.4. They're definitely not as easy as a 5.0 swap.

 

[Dirtman]

I dont need to worry about emissions. A. Pretty sure as long as I run an obd2 system it doesn't matter what engine is there, if the computer says good to go that's all that matters.. And I plan to run fuel injection and obd2. B. Eh I'll cheat. Nj still has private inspection... aka... here's $50 bucks give me a sticker.

 

[Snoranger]

I dont need to worry about emissions. A. Pretty sure as long as I run an obd2 system it doesn't matter what engine is there, if the computer says good to go that's all that matters.. And I plan to run fuel injection and obd2. B. Eh I'll cheat. Nj still has private inspection... aka... here's $50 bucks give me a sticker.

B is a lot more difficult then it used to be... not impossible.

A... I'm thinking that I'll just swap an '01 5.0 in my 02 and hope for the best with inspection. I can always claim a low mileage exemption and not need inspection.

 

[Dirtman]

From what I understand in NJ, cause there is no sniffer test, just plug in... if your computer system gives an OK they pass it no matter what. Engine doesn't matter. As long as its obd2 and showing it passed all obd2 self tests you get a sticker. I can do that easy cause I don't plan on cheating it that way. I wont be running a carb or whatever. I'll be running EFI and cats.

I know theres places that check vin vs engine but when I get to it I'll buy a pcm with my vin programmed so nothing they could do anyway.

And if not I'll cheat.. still easy if you know people.

 

[Snoranger]

Depending on the year it also needs to see a certain number of monitors ready.

 

[bobbywalter]

damn. 2009.


ford copcar explorer with re vin ecm will solve all of the monitor issues. they are cheap in detroit....not sure out there.

 

[Dirtman]

Depending on the year it also needs to see a certain number of monitors ready.

Mine can have 2 not ready out of the total. But the total systems changes year to year. I know every system in my 09. 3 or 4 are evap system which is nothing.

 

[Dirtman]

We are missing the point! Eff the epa!!!!!

 

[Dirtman]

damn. 2009.


ford copcar explorer with re vin ecm will solve all of the monitor issues. they are cheap in detroit....not sure out there.

Cops never had explorers here. They went from crown vic's to chargers and the SUVs went from suburbans to ford edge's

 

[Snoranger]

Cops never had explorers here. They went from crown vic's to chargers and the SUVs went from suburbans to ford edge's

What are you talking about... I see a dozen Interceptor SUVs (Explorers) a day.