Quick Ford question....O.K. not so quick....

[yamadog]

Can anybody tell me what the last year a 351w was available? And would that motor drop into a 66 Mustang? And the big question.....What is required to swap from a 6 Cyl motor? Thanks in advance from a guy who nows nothing about Fords. Jason

[Whistler]

I know you could still get it in the 96 Fullsize Bronco.

[SatisTraction]

96 was the last year. it will fit but headers are TIGHT.

[6'9"Witha69]

Shoehorn: what will be needed to get a 351 in a 65-66 mustang.
It is doable, I've done it, but it wasn't fun and maintenance is a royal PITA.

[phonedude_mln]

351w will fit, but is very tight.

I believe the 6 cylinder mustangs had 4 lug wheels and lighter
front suspension pieces -- you should definitely swap out for
V8 pieces (or use the opportunity to step up to something
like the coil-over swap kit from totalcontrolproducts.com).

you should probably go somewhere like:

http://www.vintage-mustang.com/

to get more mustang specific advice. I'm pretty sure
keeping the 6 cylinder suspension stuff would not be safe.

[THX 138]

http://forums.stangnet.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

[6'9"Witha69]

351w will fit, but is very tight.

I believe the 6 cylinder mustangs had 4 lug wheels and lighter
front suspension pieces -- you should definitely swap out for
V8 pieces (or use the opportunity to step up to something
like the coil-over swap kit from totalcontrolproducts.com).

you should probably go somewhere like:

http://www.vintage-mustang.com/

to get more mustang specific advice. I'm pretty sure
keeping the 6 cylinder suspension stuff would not be safe.This is also true. Car Craft is building up the suspension on a 6 cyl mustang right now and brakes are the next thing.

[64Comet]

Heck, you can shoehorn a big block in there, but its a ton of work. It would be much more advisable to go the 302 HO route as parts are easy to come buy, its a very simple swap and the 289/302 are the same block. And the swap is a parts for parts swap, no mods, custom work or fabbing involved and if you know nothing about Fords, thats a good thing. And if its cubic inches youre looking for, punch out and stroke the 302, heck you can get 427CI out of 'em now. I have run a 6 cyl drivetrain with a V8, but its not the best idea. I never had any problems, but if youre looking in to serious HP and TQ, it could become an issue. You can buy everything you need out of a freakin catalogue! I have been building Fords for forever and they have always been 6 banger conversions except one, so if you have any questions, feel free. There is a TON of experise on this forum.

[64Comet]

I can list what parts you need and it all can either be bought from a store or junkyard find.

[Bertram65]

I put one in a '65 Mustang years ago, an origional V8 car, headers were a problem, had a set of Hooker headers cut up and put back together, not sure if someone makes a set now. I do not think the 351W is worth the extra effort.

[64Comet]

The headers are the biggest problem and I do not believe anyone makes a set. They have to be custom made. And I agree its not worth the hassle.

[fast Ed]

As an added note, a 351W with an aftermarket intake will not fit under the stock hood of a 65-66 Mustang, if that is a consideration. A nice 302 build-up is probably the easiest route, as suggested.

BTW, the 351W was available in 1997 in the F-250 HD and F-350, last of the old boxy body style, but 1996 is the correct answer for the 1/2 ton trucks. :)


cheers
Ed N.

[yamadog]

So it looks like the 302HO is the way to go...glad I asked. Didn't know about the hood problems, but had heard the headers would be a tight fit.

I can list what parts you need and it all can either be bought from a store or junkyard find.
If you wouldn't mind, I sure would be thankfull. Jason

[fast Ed]

If you're after more cubic inches, there are a bunch of reasonably priced stroker cranks, and complete rotating assemblies, available for SB Ford engines now. 331 and 347 CID are common. Stroker, with a nice cam and a pair of AFR heads, will easily make 400+ hp.


cheers
Ed N.

[MonzaRacer]

If i had my druthers i would look around for a 347 rotating assembly from a one of the Mustang racing venues. Team that up with some sweet AFR heads and a decent roller and retrofit cam (or later roller block which is better as it has 1 piece rear main seal) and World Products(I think) makes a block or some such company so you can make real world torque from a 289/302 size package.
Honestly I really liked a souped up 289, wind like no ones buisness and still sip fuel when you cruise it and the car is so light it doesnt really need a 351 to scream. My brother had a 65 coupe and 66 Fastbackand the 65 got totaled and the 66 got a 302 buiult in it with 4 speed, very sweet but the block had been through a barn fire and we never knew it so after several clutches to try and eliminate a bad clutch shudder my brother traded it in on a 86 GT (he only got 2500 bucks in trade for it) .
Good Luck