What did I get myself into

[musetech]

Did a quick compression check on my '66 289 after noticing exhaust manifold on cyl#1 was considerably cooler on initial start up.

She netted a whopping 50 psi. Checked rings by adding oil to cylinder and rechecking compression, no change. Oil is not diluted, no bubbles in cooling system or dilution.

Just bought her and thinking of doing a swap as I'm positive the 289 is original and tired and don't want to crack the wallet on her only to swap out later ie valve job. (Rods/rockers are fine)

Question: How much more involved is a 351 swap than a 302?

Not even gonna mess with EFI.

Question: Any recommendations for "crate" suppliers? Been shopping around but need something that is "plug n play" so to speak.


Thanks, John

 

[76Broncofromhell]

As far as the 351W is concerned, there isn't too much to worry about. Your stock hood might be a problem depending on your intake type. Everything else just bolts up, but the exhaust might take some tweaking.

As far as crate engines are concerned, I would just do a search on Google for a 351. There are plenty of shops that do them so it won't be too bad to find

 

[musetech]

Have a cowl on the hood so should be o.k. there. Direct bolt to transmission/motor mounts?
Anyone have suggestions on intake/carb/header choice geared towards price and drivability. (Daily driver) 3spd man

Thanks

 

[76Broncofromhell]

I would run a truck-avenger (not a Q-Jet fan) if you plan on going wheeling, or just a regular 600 or 650 Holley on either a Weiand Stealth intake or an Edelbrock Performer. I would take your pick from James Duff, Wild Horses, and others regarding headers. I went full length but shorties should work fine.

 

[TJK74]

Crate motor sources
good: http://www.atk-engines.com/

Better: http://www.ford-motors-engines.com/contactus.html
Quality Crate

Best: http://www.fordcobraengines.com/
Tested tuned and turn key

 

[70_Steve]

Question: How much more involved is a 351 swap than a 302?

It is more involved than replacing the 289/302. How much more is kind of subjective. Some guys don't think it's a big deal, but there are things to take into consideration. The block is taller and wider. Look at your current 289, and imagin the intake manifold being an inch higher, and the valve covers being an inch higher and out to the side an inch on each side. Then you'll be able to get an idea of what's involved.

Yes, it will bolt to the frame mounts, and your existing bell housing will bolt up. I did a 1" body lift to help with several clearance issues, but still had a bunch of "tweaking" to do.

Start out by doing a search on this site. Lots of information about doing this swap. The things you will have to consider will have a lot to do with your current setup (manual vs auto tranny, power brakes vs manual, headers vs stock exhaust manifold, etc)

 

[HotWheels]

It is a straight forward conversion though. The easiest that u can do other than retaining and rebuilding. Which if you evr have to worry about emmision or keeping it original you may want to consider.

 

[musetech]

Tired 289

Tore the heads off today. This engine seams to have taken apart about a hundred times by someone who owns stock in "permatex"

Head gaskets fell apart and the intake valve on #1 had a nice crecent moon shaped gap where it should have been seated.

All pistons had a nice 1/8 inch of carbon build up on em. Suspect from the maladjusted choke linkage I found right after I bought her that caused it to idle at about 1100 RPM.

Gonna go with replacing with aftermarket heads for now and put off the engine swap till next year.

Question: (Since I'm gonna buy heads anyway), Heard that 351 heads can be made to work but require grinding in order for the intake manifold to fit. Is this true and if I buy a 351 block next year will I be able to use the same heads on it after they have been "modified"?

 

[TheCopperCowboy]

351w Heads on a 289

ARP #154-3606 cylinder head bolts will fit 351w heads on a 289 block.