302 or 351w?

1990_LX · Nov 1, 2011

So I'm trying to get as many opinions as possible before I pull the trigger on a motor. I'm going to do a motor swap in my 90 4 banger. I'm on a typical high school budget (LOL) and I'm not sure if I want to go 302 or 351w. Either way it would have GT40p heads until funds allow for an upgrade to some aluminums and would be carbed with a T5. What do you guys think? I know there is the age old saying about displacement, but is the lower revs of the 351 worth the upgrade and added expense? Thanks for any help guys!

ID89GT · Nov 1, 2011

Since you have to buy anything new anyway to begin with, I would start with a 351w. More power in the long run, stronger block, and basically just a bigger, better version of the 302.

NIKwoaC · Nov 1, 2011

ID89GT said:
Since you have to buy anything new anyway to begin with, I would start with a 351w. More power in the long run, stronger block, and basically just a bigger, better version of the 302.

+1000000000000000000

Even if you can't afford decent parts up front, the 351 will be the better choice in the long run.

Also, I'd go EFI if it were me, but your car, your prerogative.

ID89GT · Nov 1, 2011

If you do go with a 351w though, I would go for a roller block. Will give you all the same cam choices as a 302 I believe. Also I agree on the EFI part, but an EFI intake manifold for a 351w is pretty spendy..

Shaolin Crane · Nov 1, 2011

There are reasons to stay 302, but not on your car.

1990_LX · Nov 1, 2011

I think that had my car been an original 5.0 I would leave it but since either is up for a swap, the 351 would be a better choice for not much more money. Providing I find a roller block for a decent price, what cam would go good with the gt40s? Something mild like a TFs1 or e303?

Also, in regards to EFI, I will probably look into it down the road, but I'd at least like to get it going first so I can have it running and finish up the body work and paint it.

Shaolin Crane · Nov 1, 2011

You'll spend more money buying a carb then running an efi intake. Either way a new intake is needed, get a efi one right off the bat. You dont NEEED a roller 351w, often times the premium you'd pay over the tappet engines can be used towards converting the block to roller with better designed link bar lifters. For a budget minded high school student here is what i would do.
J
unkyard 351 complete heads and all, the gt40 heads flow about the same as the 351 heads so no need to change them. Spend your money on a GOOD intake, tfs-r, RPMII, etc long tubes, and a XE274 cam. You'll make a ton more torque over the 302, it will run very well with the stock efi system, likely wont even need to change injectors or even a tune for that matter.

Then down the road when you have more cash, toss on a set of aluminum heads and a custom grind cam. Follow this route and you'll likely be able to do it for dirt cheap.

1990_LX · Nov 1, 2011

What would I use for the computer and wiring? Take it all from an F150?(I'm assuming that's my best bet for a roller 351)

Shaolin Crane · Nov 1, 2011

Snag everything from another mustang, wiring, MAF harness, computer etc

1990_LX · Nov 1, 2011

I'll see what I can find, the only pick and pull near me( just under 2 hours away) has awesome prices thus Mustangs there are generally stripped in a day or two although SN 6 bangers usually hang around so they're a good donor for spindles and brackets for 5 lug conversions. Thanks for the help so far though, I really need to post as much as I lurk. lol

FoxGT87 · Nov 2, 2011

I think a terminator motor will fit.

stykthyn · Nov 2, 2011

Shaolin Crane · Nov 2, 2011

stykthyn said:
Ls7

Muther ***kin win Sir

Boss 351 · Nov 2, 2011

H22A with NAWSSS!!!!! 2 big ones!

Just kidding... 302 vs 351... go 351.

ID89GT · Nov 2, 2011

Explorer 4.0 v6

1990_LX · Nov 2, 2011

**** it, I'm going to put a Kenne Bell on the 2.3.

1990_LX · Nov 2, 2011

FoxGT87 said:
I think a terminator motor will fit.

I would LOVE to do a Cobra transplant...with the interior too.

Shaolin Crane · Nov 2, 2011

1990_LX said:
**** it, I'm going to put a Kenne Bell on the 2.3.

Let me know when you find one

FoxGT87 · Nov 2, 2011

1990_LX said:
I would LOVE to do a Cobra transplant...with the interior too.

I just did some research on this site and it turns out that a Terminator motor doesn't fit in anything, not even a terminator. So it seems that this will never work. Sorry

bentley429isBAC · Nov 2, 2011

LsX. I'll check back later. Have fun.

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