She's Finally Installed - 351w

[rguest3]

Finally had some time to install the new 351w and Top Loader 4-speed.

Ended up being pretty straight forward and hardly any special parts or modifications needed at all. Used the same engine harness (new replacement) as the stock 302 and some extra wiring for the distributor, but no additional "stuff" at all. Still looks fairly stock and clean. Even installed a manual choke carb as stock was. (my preference anyway)

The shifter that came with the 4-speed conversion kit was way too long and actually hit the steering wheel, so reverse was impossible to engage. Replaced this with shorter Hurst shifter. NO other modifications were needed for the transmission install because the 4-speed is within 1/2" length of the stock 3-speed. Transfer case mount is in the same location and stock driveshafts still same length.

Also replaced stock steering column with a direct fit Ididit Tilt Column with no shifter, can install Ford steering wheel and was able to use the factory electrical plugs, so this was straight forward as well and looks stock as possible.

Still have a few things to adjust or button up, but it's about 95% done now.

Here is what it looks like from the engine bay:

 

[NYLES]

Looks great pick up ya tools!

 

[rguest3]

Thanks Nyles - Still have to do some additional things with the steering column. Waiting for lower column seal to arrive. - Not done yet.

 

[TwoDalesDad]

That looks great under that hood....You have given me some Ideas...since my 67 is also Cordova copper. My install is a 5.0 Stange version....

 

[ckuck]

nice looks good

 

[tasker]

looks great! you have to notch your booster bracket or body lift?

 

[rguest3]

Thanks, I am happy with how it turned out.

Tasker - 1" Body lift. NO clearance issues what-so-ever. Thankfully. I did do a lot of measuring and a Mock-up install prior to engine build to make sure everything would fit or if I needed to change anything.

 

[motoman]

Looks great! How's it run? Noticed a power difference over the 302?

 

[Timmy390]

Nice very nice......I want that.......

Tim

 

[rguest3]

motoman - Power difference??? This one will be Night and day difference! Easily 50% more power than stock 302.

Have built 2 other 351Ws very similar to this one. Lots of torque, more HP and very streetable. This one will have just a slight lope to sound like it has a cam in it.

Should be up and running within a week. I'll let you know how it runs.

Tim - Thanks. Been staring at this engine in my shop for a long time. Finally about ready to roll.

 

[gnsteam]

Nice job!

 

[cldonley]

That's a gorgeous ride!

 

[COBlu77]

Very nice. What upper radiator hose did you use?

 

[bad 68]

Very nice! But me being me, I have to paint everything. It's a lot easier to paint the engine bay with the engine out. I ran a toploader for about 2 years. Great fun on the street. Hands down the fastest shifting trans I have ever drove. With the Hurst shifter I could grab a gear while climbing a steep sand hill. You will have fun for sure!

Just look out for Reverse when you think your in First!

 

[Edger6]

Be curious on how u built your 351 as this is what i will be instaling, but i have a 2 inch body lift.

 

[rguest3]

Thank you for the praise.

COBlu77 - BCB Upper and Lower radiator hoses with their serpentine Water Pump too. Added about a 1/2" Fan spacer as well.

bad 68 - I agree everything will be painted. All will be taken apart this coming winter for full restoration. It's all mock-up and enjoy for now.

edgar6 - I have a 1" body lift which helped with potential clearance issues. 2"should be plenty.

 

[rguest3]

Edgar6 - Here is what she has:

96 Roller Block - F4TE
Balanced Rotating Assembly
+.030 Pistons with Moly Rings
ARP Bolts Throughout
Ford GT40X Aluminum Heads
Comp Cam - XE266HR Cam with Complete K-Kit - Computer friendly If I decide to go EFI in the future.
Edelbrock Performer RPM Aluminum Intake
Holley 600cfm with Manual Choke
F250 Serpentine System
BCB Serpentine water pump with their Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses.
3G Alternator
Summit - "Ready To Run" distributor

Nothing extra fancy, just a solid build.

 

[rguest3]

Always a little hesitant when you hit the key to start up a new engine for the first time. Will the starter engage correctly? Will it turn over at all? What's gonna leak?......

This morning the 351w was primed, all hoses and connections were torqued down properly, fluids were topped off and she started right up. Wow what a great feeling! Kept her running for about 20 mins and not a single leak, squeak, knock or anything. Yeaaa!

Not sure what initial timing ended up as, but will hit with light to confirm. Still need to tune distributor and Carb but everything sounded Really Good. The BC headers and Gibson muffler sound great with the 3" tailpipe. Slight lope at idle and she sounds strong.

Will get her back on the road for a test drive later. ALL good for now!

 

[Nightstick]

Nice work, she's purdy!

 

[Blitz51]

Hood ?

Will you be able to run a stock hood with your setup? What size is your air filter? I have a pretty basic 351w with no body lift and am wondering if going 1" will allow me to run a stock hood.

Looks great. Clean and simple.