• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

THE PROBABLY ALREADY ANSWERED 351W QUESTIONS

  • Thread starter Thread starter 83T-top
  • Start date Start date Feb 22, 2009
8

83T-top

Member
Oct 2, 2008
45
0
6
Feb 22, 2009
#1
  • Feb 22, 2009
  • #1
So I had my engine out and tore it apart, was gonna put forged pistons in and some rods. Even bought a set of Edelbrock RPM heads. Started to clean my block and theres a crack.

So I've decided I'm goin with a 351W, tried finding swap information in the swap thread but couldn't. Did searching on the internet found out most stuff, but still wondering on a couple things.

Are the older blocks really that much stronger then the newer roller blocks?

Will my 302 distributor work in the 351W?

I know I'll need a balancer for a 351 because it's a 28oz instead of 50oz, but can
I get my flywheel balanced or need a new one? It's a 5spd

I know the oil pump is different, but do I just need a pan from a fox 302 or do I actually have to buy a swap pan, I don't know if they are deeper or just a stock fox pan in the kit.

Will my 302 roller lifters fit into a 351w roller block.

Thanks for any input, and if someone has any suggestions on the swap I'm open to all info. It seems like when you go to the swap sites they always leave something out. That's why I'm asking.
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Feb 22, 2009
#2
  • Feb 22, 2009
  • #2
83T-top said:
So I had my engine out and tore it apart, was gonna put forged pistons in and some rods. Even bought a set of Edelbrock RPM heads. Started to clean my block and theres a crack.

So I've decided I'm goin with a 351W, tried finding swap information in the swap thread but couldn't. Did searching on the internet found out most stuff, but still wondering on a couple things.

Are the older blocks really that much stronger then the newer roller blocks?

Yes, but the late model 351W blocks are still a vast improvement over the 302.

Will my 302 distributor work in the 351W?

No. You'll want one from a late model 351 truck where the TFI is attached to the distributor

I know I'll need a balancer for a 351 because it's a 28oz instead of 50oz, but can
I get my flywheel balanced or need a new one? It's a 5spd

You probably could get the flywheel rebalanced, but flywheels are cheap. I'd personally just pick up a new one

I know the oil pump is different, but do I just need a pan from a fox 302 or do I actually have to buy a swap pan, I don't know if they are deeper or just a stock fox pan in the kit.

You'll need a different pan.

Will my 302 roller lifters fit into a 351w roller block.

Yes, as long as it's a 351W roller block. They'll physically fit into a non-roller block, but you'd need a small base circle cam to use them.

Thanks for any input, and if someone has any suggestions on the swap I'm open to all info. It seems like when you go to the swap sites they always leave something out. That's why I'm asking.
Click to expand...

My replies are in red.
 
8

83T-top

Member
Oct 2, 2008
45
0
6
Feb 22, 2009
#3
  • Feb 22, 2009
  • #3
forgot to mention I have a carbuerated motor, so should I just grab a distributor from a carbuerated 351W or buy an aftermarket distributor for a carbed motor?
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Feb 22, 2009
#4
  • Feb 22, 2009
  • #4
Ha, no need to mention the carb, reading comprehension just seems to have escaped me tonight, as if your name and signature weren't a dead giveaway.

Grabbing a distributor from something like an 83 LTD with a 351 would probably work. Just have to swap cam gears over, so you have one that's compatible with the roller cam.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Forged flat top pistons from 5.0 fit a 351 build?
  • PonyGTrider
  • May 22, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 1, 2026
PonyGTrider
9
Forced Induction Prepping for supercharger on non-stock build
  • 91fox427
  • Nov 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
415
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 5, 2026
Qtrhrse23
Q
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
894
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
H
Ongoing Battle With Hydraulic Lifters
  • hailer06
  • Jun 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
290
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
Noobz347
K
3.8 T5 & Bellhousing to 1987 Lincoln 5.0
  • ks65stang
  • Mar 2, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
3
Views
323
Other Auto Tech Mar 3, 2026
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?