drop in a 351w

[87rocket]

How hard is it to drop a 351w in a 1987 2wd ranger.

 

[Psychopete]

How hard is it to drop a 351w in a 1987 2wd ranger.

Depends on how you go about it and how fluent you are with your truck. Year of truck also makes a difference. Also how capable you are of resolving problems and how much patience you have. I might suggest you do some reading, in the tech library here, RPS, etc - lots of info out there and determine what you want (EFI? Carb? Trans? 4x4?) and it should give you an idea of how feasible it is for you to do. Keep an eye on other threads, lots of the same subjects are reoccuring.

Good luck,
Pete

 

[JohnnyO]

There was a guy who used to be here who had dropped a 351 into a 4x4 First Gen, so it can be done. Main thing, on the left side the steering column clearance is extremely tight so you'll spend some time looking for an exhaust manifold that will work and headers are out of the question.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Spring2003/351ranger.htm

 

[MoToRNecK]

Ahh! That right there is the plan for mine a 351w with a manual 2wd tranny divorced np205 with leaf sprung dana 60s. Ok well maybe a little more elaborate!

 

[87rocket]

Is it easier to put a 302 in it.

 

[7.5L_STX]

302 is easier, but jusyt do what im doing.....go with the 7.5l big block 460!!

 

[v-8power]

If you are going to be buying swap headers for the 302 you might as well get some for the 351W. Thats where you major expense is anyway.

I have got a 90 2wd with a 351W, fits perfect.

 

[87rocket]

v-8 power do you have headers on your truck if so where did you get them.

 

[v-8power]

PM sent

 

[ranger_dave88]

how much harder or more work is it to put a 460 in instead of a 351w into an '85?

 

[red85]

It's alot more work. It can be done but you better be very good with your welder and your fab skills better be up to the task. A W is a great way to go. Unless you have the 460 and trans you need it's a whole bunch cheaper to do a 351W.

 

[litlred]

im looking at doing the same swap... i have a 351w and a c4, i read somewhere maverick headers will clear the steering column. i know i should get an adapter for the tailhousing and output shaft, but will it work if my trans is a two wheel drive trans? i bought the motor and trans together, should i find a four wheel drive trans? or can the two wheel drive be converted?

 

[deathbypsi]

I think the biggest problem will be most of those headers are only 1 1/2 tubes. Even if you find some 1 5/8 they would be pushing it on a decent 351w.

I have a 408 that ran 9.50's in a Fairmont on a 200 shot and Im converting it to a single turbo with a blow thru carb for a Ranger. I think making some forward facing turbo headers would be the easiest way to get a 351 in a Ranger. I was just gonna run it on nitrous again but the header clearance on the driverside convinced me to just go turbo like I planned cuz it would actually be easier.

How many on here have done a 351w swap?

 

[v-8power]

How many on here have done a 351w swap?

There are quite a few that have done the 351W swap, among other things.

I remember a I6, 460, 351C just to name a few besides the 302.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The 351 is the way to go if you want raw torque.

The 300 I6 is better then the 302 torque wise but there a pita to install compared to a 351W.

A good 351W, with a decent cam and a nice heathly 4bbl is all the power you'll ever need.

later,
Dustin