Engine Swap

[Paul Masley]

I have a 1996 F-150 4X4 with a 5.0L, 3.55 gears and that dang junky mazda 5/s o/d. The truck is just plain sick with 31 tires.

My plans are to plant a 351/400M with the factory four speed (i think it is a T-18) and the transfer case from a 1985 F-150 in it. I have all the parts from the radiator back including the driveshafts.

My question is: Is there a factory fuel injected intake that would fit on top of the 351/400 similar to the 302 rails and intake. I know I will have to increase the injector rate due to the engine size, but I do not want to do a complete rewire. I still want everything to work, like the computers, airbags, antilock, ect.

In checking the mechanicals, measurements look like a straigh bolt in with no cutting or welding, just purchase of engine mounts and brackets.

Has anybody done this?

[ModMech]

Nope, the Ms were never squirted.

[Paul Masley]

Talking about letting the air out of my baloon. hahahahah. Wonder if there is an aftermarket mod that would be a straight bolt in?

[97chevyman]

Ok, try some lower gears. If you think about it, when you add bigger tires, you are raiseing the gear ratio. So go 4.10 or 4.11 whatever the 8.8 has, and i bet you will have plent of power. Now the 302 is not a low end power house. As for the tranny, try the ZF 5 speed, you will need one for a 351 winsor, the 302 has the same bellhousing. The t-18 is a great tranny, but no overdrive. I have one, they are tough as hell though. Just to let you know, that is not a 351 M in the 85. Ford stopped the 351M in 81 or 82 and went winsor. So if you have that 351 out of a 85, just get the efi intake and use your injectors and move the wiring around to fit the firing order.

[Paul Masley]

Chevyman, appreciate the reply.

Well, I guess I have an oddball then. The sticker on the valve cover says 351/400. I am not near it at the time, but I know there is an M there. The block is also blue instead of gray.

I have thought of 3.73 gears as I do use it on the interstate. 4.10's would be too low. That thing would be cranking 5,000 rpms at 80. I was aware that the 302 and 351 Winsor used the same bell and the T-18 had no o/d. I owned the 85 and it has been sitting in a garage under cover for the last 10 years. Bad rollover accident caused by a drunk driver. What I like about the T-18 was the low first gear. Great for asents and desents on steep grades.

Question: Would the ZF 5 hold up in a 4X4 that is used off road?