302-351W Swap

[jwhittlc]

I currently own 2 79 Tbirds with 302's and FMX trans. I am considering swapping at least one to a 351W or stroked version up to 396. It would seem pretty straight up considering how closely related the 302 and 351W are. They share the same 28oz. balance so bolt up to the existing tranny should be no problem. Intake manifold and front engine accessory brackets must be changed. Is there a difference in the exhaust manifolds between the 302 and 351W? What else am I missing or overlooking? Thanks...JW

[daywalker]

Here is my theory (I can't say it's fact) on the exhaust. The 302 and the 351 use the same heads correct? Therefore exhaust manifolds should swap just fine. However the position of the manifold relative to the car might be a little different as the 351 has a slightly taller deck height but I wouldn't think by enough to make a difference. That's my theory.

Daywalker
78' Lincoln 460/C6
92' F-250 HD 351W/ZF5spd 4x4

[ 12-30-2001: Message edited by: daywalker ]

[T-Bird-uzi]

the heads are externally the same but the differences are:7/16" bolt diam on 302, and 1/2" dia for windsors,
and the chambers are bigger on windsor heads too, but there is a kit out there that allows you to shim up the bolts/holes, thereby allowing use of the bigger 351w heads on a 302 block :-)i do not know the company that makes the kit tho
and yes the exhausts are interchangeable, to some degree, mainly vehicle fit :-)

[ 12-30-2001: Message edited by: T-Bird-uzi ]

[tbirdtess]

how did the engine swap go?? :confused: