Thinking about swapping my 351W for a 302

[cavscout]

Just I thought, but was thinking of swapping the 351W that's in my 87 FSB to a 302. I would like to stay on the carb and not go to EFI. Just wondering what others experience was doing this? How well does stuff match back up?

[blazinchuck]

1st Q...why? is the 302 better running than the 351? 2nd...what trans are you using?

[cavscout]

Just a thought. I was thinking the parts and such are more readily available and maybe get a little better MPG. I don't have one yet, but was thinking of getting one to build on while the 351 was in the truck.

I am guessing it is the C6 trans.

[bucketobolts]

Sorry forgot this was a fullsize...cratchhe:

[josephitguy]

I can maybe see the MPGs but not sure on the rest, the 351 and the 302 are essentially the same. Technically the 302 is a Windsor, but because Ford didn't make any other 302s the name isn't used. Headers fit on both, motor mounts are the same, just the deck height for the extra cubes. The 302s might list better mileage b/c they had the AOD trans. I'd stick with the 351, just my 2¢

[broncomatt]

The 351w is fairly diffrent than a 302, winsors used 1/2 bolt holes for the heads(only the later 5.0 used those), the block deck is higher so it uses diffrent intakes. All the external brackets are diffrent (ps,alt,ect)
I dont think you will gain much in mpg, that realy would be a question of driving styles, and fuel delivery. My rule of thumb is if its not broken why fix it.
For a work truck the windsors are great, stroke it and it can be built to a truly amazing motor. It realy depends on what you plan to do with the truck.
Just my 2c.
Broncomatt

[cavscout]

I am not dead set on doing it, just thinking about it. The 351 runs great, has less than 90K miles on it. I do either need to rebuild the carb or get a good one for it, but other than that, it seems to be a good running engine.

Just using it as a daily driver, maybe pull a boat with it from time to time.

[bound4dixie]

Welp I had a '90 F150 reg cab long bed with a 302. Sold it and bought my '91 bronco with a 351W. I really didn't see much difference to write home about in MPG decrease. Granted there is a little weight difference, but like Matt said its more about driving style.

There are lots of things you can do with the 351 and typically they are a much stronger block that can handle a little more abuse from motor mods. I think with a new or newly rebuilt carb, you should be happy with the 351 and won't have to worry with all the work of an engine swap :xyxthumbs:

[bucketobolts]

The biggest loss will be in the torque department. I'm not sure if the swap is worth the loss in a full size.