351 swap

[broncobusted]

Hello bronco people. I am starting to do some homework on going to a 351. From what i understand this engine should bolt right in. Also do i need a specific year of engine ? And does anyone where to get one ?
Thank you for any info

 

[Timmy390]

1 inch BL helps with getting the engine in and the hood to close......but yes it does bolt right in. Tight on the fire wall on D side due to the higher deck height.

Getting one....depends on what you want. you talking crate engine or building one?

Tim

 

[Dlish]

After 40 years of varying abuse, all of our Broncos are slightly different...so in theory Yes, it should bolt it. But in practice, some things may need a little more work. As Timmy alluded to, the drivers side can be tight. Mine was real bad. (I have edelbrock heads and valve covers that are most likely a little higher too). I actually egged out the frame-side motor mounts a little which allowed the motor to sit forward and gain the clearance I needed.

With the added height I also swapped over to a throttle cable instead of the stock linkage.

If you have a manual trans, the newer 351 blocks do not have the boss for the clutch linkage, one of the vendors sells a kit to make it work.

Other headaches were self inflicted, I have an explorer serp setup but wanted to use a Saginaw pump instead. This requires some extra parts to make work.

etc etc. Just ask if any other specific questions.

 

[sanndmann3]

You will love a nicely built 351W and its worth putting up with some install issues. Consider stroking it to 408 if you want even more. I think 93 and later blocks were set up for roller cam. Nicer, in my opinion than flat tappet cam. Just beware that some blocks tended to crack in lifter area. 90 and later blocks had 1 pc seal I think which is better than previous 2 pc...
Add fuel injection and serpentine belt drive and you have a rockin' rig! ;D

 

[broncobusted]

Thank you for the replies. Sounds like more than i want to do lol. Can a 302 be stroked ?

 

[bronconut73]

See what y'all did?


Don't worry man, a 351W swap "is" a bolt-in.

The small hurdles are easily handled and well explained here on classicbroncos.com.

There is no comparison to the low rpm torque of the long stroke Windsor.

 

[DirtDonk]

And yes, a 302 can be stroked pretty much as easily as anything. In fact the 347 is a super popular combination right now.
Not sure what the actual (or theoretical) limit is on a standard 302 or 5.0 block, but even at 347, that's a pretty good up-tick in size.

Users seem to like them a lot.

Paul

 

[Timmy390]

See what y'all did?


Don't worry man, a 351W swap "is" a bolt-in.

The small hurdles are easily handled and well explained here on classicbroncos.com.

There is no comparison to the low rpm torque of the long stroke Windsor.

Wait.....what just happen?

351swap is awesome....love mine. Small hurdles yes but yeah it bolts right in.

Do the 351w.......put the right heads and cam in the mix and no need to stroke. Mine is a warmed up build with a torque cam and efi and it rips.......

Tim

 

[MAGNUS V]

Will the 351 fit with a hydro boost set up


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bronconut73]

Yup.

Check out WH.

 

[half cab]

My 351W was put in almost 40 yrs ago. Already had a 2.5 sup lift. I had to mod a power steering pump bracket (I believe WH sell these now) oil pan dumps right over the front chunk kinda of a nuance but I'm ok with that. Had to remove the plug wire holder on right side valve cover for org breather to fit but that's all I can think of at the moment.

BTW early 70's 351W.

 

[rguest3]

Building a 351W compared to building a Stroked 302/5.0l to 347.

Same Cylinder Heads and Valvetrain
Same Cam (Assuming both are either a Flat Tappet Block or both are Roller Blocks, Roller Cams are more money)
Same Starter, Flexplate and Balancer (Most 347s are 28oz. Balance as well)
Same Timing Cover and Water Pump
Most Serpentine Systems Fit Both
Although different parts, similar price with intake and Oil Pans.
Different Distributors between the two Blocks but similar in price.

The main difference in cost is the 347 Stroker Kit and the extra Machine work on the Block to clear the 347 Crank. Assuming you would rebuild the 351W with new pistons too, the 347 would be about $800 more than the 351W.

The 347 drops right in with NO modifications needed just like the original 302. The 351W would need a 1" body lift to help clear with stock hood. Not a big deal.

If built the same, the 351W may still have some additional Torque than the 347 but maybe not even noticeable.

I have installed both 347s and many 351Ws. These are very nice Torquey motors for the Early Bronco.

There is an Inline Hydro Boost Bracket on eBay that is great quality and will be perfect with a 351W with NO clearance issues with any intake. It can be installed with either an Astro Van or Mustang Hydro Boost.

 

[bronconut73]

I ran my Windsor for 20 years without a 1" body lift.

It just requires a "deep" drop air cleaner base and a little trimming on the hood brace above.
Really easy.

But do the 1" body lift. It is a very good mod that helps other stuff too,

 

[Timmy390]

But do the 1" body lift. It is a very good mod that helps other stuff too,

My old bushings were so pancaked the 1 inch BL was more like 2 when done. maybe 2.5.......

1 inch BL looks good on any bronco JMO

Tim

 

[broncobusted]

Thank you all for your input its much appreciated as usual. I like the sound of that 347. I will start researching in that direction.
Thanks
Dave