1990 351w/5.8 (good donor motor?)

[langester]

I had a post about a month ago about my 302 and as per your suggestions I have been looking for a donor motor. I had a guy send me a message and he says he has a 1990 351w out of a truck that is disassembled and he will sell it dirt cheap. I am definitely going to look at it but I was curious if it is a decent year for that motor. I would also like to get away from the fuel injection, can you just add a 4v intake and carb? Also what oil pan will I need or will the 4x4 truck oil pans work? I have a 3.5" SL and a 1" BL so I have a little extra room. I am sure I will have some more questions but that's a good start for now.
As always Thanks in advance!

 

[sykanr0ng]

As long as you are either okay with a flat tappet cam or retrofitting a roller cam.

Not all bad there, some have had problems with the roller blocks cracking at the cam bores.

 

[langester]

Thanks that's good to know. I will look at that area a little closer when I go see it. I appreciate the info!

 

[strider]

You'll also have to add a fuel pump. Regular pressure, not high pressure.

 

[bronconut73]

Just glad to hear your giving a 351 a chance, haha.

 

[langester]

Thanks,
I had a 351 in my last Bronco, it was out of an 85 ford van. I had it redone and loved it. It was carbureted, which is what I prefer. I just wanted to be sure I could do the same with a newer block. I plan on using the 302 timing cover so I can use a mechanical fuel pump and install a 4v intake.
I am going to check it out tomorrow, I will post up what I find.

I read a few posts on oil pans, I see the crown vic is popular as well as the double sumps. Either one better than the other?

Thanks again for the replies, always appreciated!

 

[Broncobowsher]

Good thing the engine is a one piece rear main. Being it was EFI it probably has minimal cylinder wall wear.

I would call the '90 an upper middle of the pack of choices. There are better, and there are way worse years. That engine should have every good thing except the provisions for a roller cam.

The truck pan typically works. The diff tends to make a dent in the pan and after that all is good. Again, works, there are better choices and way worse choices.

 

[langester]

That's what I am hoping for is minimal wear. A roller would be nice but I have never had one so I won't know the difference. I have had good luck with older motors , I hope this turns out the same.
Thanks for the reply, every bit of help I get is much appreciated!

 

[langester]

Well it ended up being bad. Motor had been bored .030 and #1 cylinder had a score in it. Luckily the engine was apart so I could see the damage.

Thanks again for all the responses, I am sure I will have more questions on the next one I find!
Have a good one!

 

[4x4man514]

Well for what it's worth, my 90 didn't have a roller cam but it did have the bosses so I was able to drill and tap it to fit a roller cam.

 

[Chris76bronco]

I did the retro fit roller on my 351 block