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

Want to possibly swap out a 302 for a 351W

  • Thread starter Thread starter Joemon5.0
  • Start date Start date Oct 12, 2019
J

Joemon5.0

Member
Mar 23, 2019
57
2
18
Long Island
Oct 12, 2019
#1
  • Oct 12, 2019
  • #1
Hi all, I have an ‘88 lx foxbody, and I have to do some repair work to the shock towers. I want more power as the engine is stock.So I was thinking about dropping in a 351w Short block when I drop out the old motor.I have Edelbrock performer rpm heads for a 302 and GT40 intake ,will they fit on a 351w? How easy is it to swap? Does the transmission and plumbing line up?I thought about stroking the 302 but the block is limited to how much hp it can produce, and plus I can build up the 351w block in the mean time until I get to pulling out the old motor. What else should I address on the car? (Brakes,suspension,fuel system?) Where is a good place that I can get a 351w short block from? I would like it to be ready for the upper part of the engine to be installed on top ( comes with crank, pistons, etc installed on the short block) I know there’s a lot of questions, I appreciate your time to answer, thanks!
 

@408Stroker

New Member
Oct 12, 2019
10
1
1
Kentucky
Oct 12, 2019
#2
  • Oct 12, 2019
  • #2
Joemon5.0 said:
Hi all, I have an ‘88 lx foxbody, and I have to do some repair work to the shock towers. I want more power as the engine is stock.So I was thinking about dropping in a 351w Short block when I drop out the old motor.I have Edelbrock performer rpm heads for a 302 and GT40 intake ,will they fit on a 351w? How easy is it to swap? Does the transmission and plumbing line up?I thought about stroking the 302 but the block is limited to how much hp it can produce, and plus I can build up the 351w block in the mean time until I get to pulling out the old motor. What else should I address on the car? (Brakes,suspension,fuel system?) Where is a good place that I can get a 351w short block from? I would like it to be ready for the upper part of the engine to be installed on top ( comes with crank, pistons, etc installed on the short block) I know there’s a lot of questions, I appreciate your time to answer, thanks!
Click to expand...
Your heads will work (you'll need 1/2" head bolts) the intake will not, nor will oil pan or distributor. Engine balance is different so you'll need new balancer and flexplate. Transmission will bolt right up. If running a stock hood you may have clearance issues there.
If you still have PS and A/C you'll need new brackets.
It's an easy swap but expensive.
TRE Performance has quality short blocks.
 
Reactions: Joemon5.0
K

KOOKAS67

New Member
Dec 18, 2020
4
0
1
Manns Harbor N.C. 27953
Dec 18, 2020
#3
  • Dec 18, 2020
  • #3
Joemon5.0 said:
Hi all, I have an ‘88 lx foxbody, and I have to do some repair work to the shock towers. I want more power as the engine is stock.So I was thinking about dropping in a 351w Short block when I drop out the old motor.I have Edelbrock performer rpm heads for a 302 and GT40 intake ,will they fit on a 351w? How easy is it to swap? Does the transmission and plumbing line up?I thought about stroking the 302 but the block is limited to how much hp it can produce, and plus I can build up the 351w block in the mean time until I get to pulling out the old motor. What else should I address on the car? (Brakes,suspension,fuel system?) Where is a good place that I can get a 351w short block from? I would like it to be ready for the upper part of the engine to be installed on top ( comes with crank, pistons, etc installed on the short block) I know there’s a lot of questions, I appreciate your time to answer, thanks!
Click to expand...
Heads will work but the GT-40 Intake won't. Deck height is different with the 351. Trick Flow makes a nice intake with fuel infection for a 351w.
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Dec 19, 2020
#4
  • Dec 19, 2020
  • #4
Ford made a 351 lower for the GT-40 style intake on the Lightning trucks. That’s an option.
Before we get any farther on parts recommendations, how much power, HP and Torque, is more power? Are you looking for Ludicrous Speed or more fun speed?
Stock to stock, a 351 block should stand up to power levels the 302 block will crack at. But unless you are planning on stroking the 351, a 347 stroker 302 is going to fit back in place easier than a stockish 351, and 4 ci is not going to make much difference in power output.
As for a short block crate set up sellers, power goals are going to change that answer. A mass rebuilder (like Marshall Blueprint etc.) an easy source for a stock replacement base for your project.
 
Last edited: Dec 20, 2020
Reactions: General karthief
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Ford truck engine swap issues
  • keel
  • Jul 7, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
17
Views
321
Other Auto Tech Jul 13, 2026
General karthief
D
Engine HO cam in non HO roller block ‘93 f150
  • DanC1993f150
  • Mar 21, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
343
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 29, 2026
General karthief
J
can you use the heads off a H O 302 to put on a regular 302 engine
  • Jan H
  • Feb 25, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
6
Views
374
Other Auto Tech May 17, 2026
nickyb
G
Fox engine swaps
  • Gravity
  • Aug 10, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
393
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 12, 2025
2000xp8
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
951
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • Fox Engine Swaparoo
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?