Another try 351w in 94 simply

[Stoby]

Ive been trying to sort through all the threads and cant find the definitive info i'm looking for so any help From someone who knows & isnt guessing would be great..i was going to swap out my tired rapping 5.0 awhile ago but never got to it.Now i have a 96 5.8 in my backyard with 70k .I know i need a flywheel and headers & hood . Id like to just drop it in as is if i can? then i can put a performance package together later. i'd just like to drive it my trucks killin$$$ me plus its a rag and its summer here for another day or 2.
What else do I absolutely have to change? How do i modify whatever needs mods intake wise ,computer wise etc? The car is a cobra what computer wise needs doin If anything ?? Can I use my cobra oil pan pump & pickup or do i need to swap & why if i do? Anything else???? I'm an old school guy havent built an engine since the 80s So simple is best .
Thanks for any useful info
Stoby

 

[JJ95GTID]

My recommendation...sell the truck and 5.8L.

Buy refurbished 5.0L shortblock for $699+s/h from Late Model Restoration or some place similar.

1979-95 Mustang 5.0L 302 Economy Short Block, Accepts Roller Cam at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

Buy engine overhaul gasket kit and transfer everything from stock engine to refurb'd short block.

Way less money and time in the grand scheme.


Otherwise you will need;
1. exhaust mods (headers, mid-pipe extended or replaced, etc.)
2. computer needs to at least know new displacement (need to get tune for the ECM)
3. does the 5.8L's distributor have a remote mount TFI module...if so ok...if not then need to rewire or get new dizzy
4. you'll need the oil pan / pickup kit. FRPP has a kit.
5. need to find 5.8L GT40 lower intake to work with your Cobra upper intake. Or get expensive $$$$$ aftermarket intake.
6. do you need to be emmissions compliant? If so the EGR tube to passenger side header will need extending and the crossover pipe on the back of the heads will need extending as well.
7. what camshaft is in it? Most likely you got the 5.8L from a truck or van. Neither's camshaft is ideal for a car.

I've put some thought into going the 5.8L route myself and this is just what I could think of off the top of my head. It can be done. But, it isn't going to be quick, easy or cheap.

 

[1slow95]

Otherwise you will need;
1. exhaust mods (headers, mid-pipe extended or replaced, etc.)
2. computer needs to at least know new displacement (need to get tune for the ECM)
3. does the 5.8L's distributor have a remote mount TFI module...if so ok...if not then need to rewire or get new dizzy
4. you'll need the oil pan / pickup kit. FRPP has a kit.
5. need to find 5.8L GT40 lower intake to work with your Cobra upper intake. Or get expensive $$$$$ aftermarket intake.
6. do you need to be emmissions compliant? If so the EGR tube to passenger side header will need extending and the crossover pipe on the back of the heads will need extending as well.
7. what camshaft is in it? Most likely you got the 5.8L from a truck or van. Neither's camshaft is ideal for a car.

I've put some thought into going the 5.8L route myself and this is just what I could think of off the top of my head. It can be done. But, it isn't going to be quick, easy or cheap.

2. Stock Cobra ECU should be fine as long as the MAF/Inj are matched. With a stock 351, the Cobra's 24# injectors should be fine. Of course a tune is recommended but probably not required at this point.

3. The 96 351 should have the correct distributor for our cars. I used one from a 96 F-150 in my car.

The rest of the list looks good.

You need 351 balancer and flywheel.

94-95 front accessories will bolt up, just need a longer belt. May need to swap the timing cover and water pump as well.

If you use the Mustang fuel rails, you'll need to extend the hoses between the two rails

I would swap the cam and rockers from your Cobra into the 351 for now. Also, if the 351 has e7 heads you should swap the gt40's from your Cobra onto it. That will essentially give you a stock 95 Cobra R.

 

[Zero_chance]

I think they pretty much nailed it. I was going to go that route but it was more work than I wanted to do at the time (still drove the car several times a week back then). If youre looking for something quick and easy to drop in, a 351 isnt the first thing on that list. Just out of curiosity, how many miles were on the Cobras ticker to get it to the shape yours sounds like its in? Ever consider rebuilding the motor out of it, might be less of a headache.

 

[Stoby]

The cobras got almost 180 k on it
I picked the 351 up cheap so if it wasnt going to be a giant pain I was gonna do it. but i picked up a good running 90k mile complete gt engine so thats going in for now and ill either sell the 351 or gather everything over the winter. I appreciate the input. Id rather build a 351 than the 302 cause i believe in displacement + the added strength. I am curious though does the cobra block carry any significance ? Should i hold on to it after i strip the heads cam etc. ? I'm not to worried about value or collectibility since the cars gonna have 2oo+k on it and i have to repair shock tower rust so its past the collector point.Too bad.......
Thanks
Stoby

 

[JJ95GTID]

The Cobra's short block is the same as the GT's.
It is the GT40 iron heads and Cobra(GT40) intake, camshaft, 1.7 roller rockers and a few other misc. items that make the Cobra engine a better performer.