[sloan]

If you have a 302 already setup in your car, and want to go to 351W, what are the implications?

Can you reuse the H pipe on the exhaust side?

Also, the 302 has a 68 ignition system. And the 351W is a 76. The 351W has duraspark ignition module, and I don't know if you transplant the 76 ignition into the 68, or downgrade the 76 engine to use the 68 ignition.

I know the blocks are similar, and most things should line up ok. But wanted to get input for any obstacles.

The car is a 1968 coupe body, thus the tight confinements of the 65/66 engine bay are not an issue.

Thanks....

 

[4562]

Should fit OK, Exhaust will have to be modified, engine deak height and width are greater with the 351W. Modify the ignition and use the dura spark ignition. Electronic ignition will usually gain a few more ponies, slightly better running and a slight increase in fuel milage.

 

[Rickmaan]

the '68 ignition system consists of points and a condenser on the distributor and since this is on a 302 distributor you can't transfer it to the 351w, it uses a different distributor than the 302. The duraspark is a big improvement over points anyway so you're better off swapping it in with the new engine. I'm not sure if the H-pipe will line up with the 351 exh manifolds, but if it doesn't a muffler shop should be able to modify it for you without much effort or you could get an h-pipe for a '69 351 'stang. Some accessory brackets might not swap onto the 351 due to the taller deck. This is probably less of a problem with v-belts than it is with serpentine set ups, but it is something to watch out for. Also, 302 and 351w oil pans do not interchange so you have make sure you have a front sump pan on the 351w (if it came out of a truck or 4x4 it could have have a rear sump pan).

 

[johnpro]

Rickmaan is right on. The 302 distributor won't fit in the 351w, so that one's out. The alternator brackets are different for the 351w so be sure to get them with the engine (they're not reproduced that I'm aware of).

The exhaust would probably fit without the h-pipe, as the extra height shouldn't be a problem. The problem is in the extra WIDTH of the 351w that is cause by the extra height. Because of the width, the h-pipe will be too narrow. You can cut cross piece of the h-pipe, then have an exhaust shop fab up a new cross piece.

 

[The_Dude]

You can actually buy the correct part to adapt the 302 alterenator bracket from NPD.

 

[jayscurse]

When I did my 351w swap ( I also have a 68 coupe) My alternator brackets lined up fine. I had to modify my power steering brackets, though. I had to drill the holes out more to accept the larger diameter bolts. Also, you have to buy special 351w conversion headers. I bought a cheap set of hooker headers for $160. You can buy the ceramic ones, or the chromed ones if your budget allows. The exhaust off of a 302 won't line up at all. I bought 2 flowmaster mufflers, and brought them to the exhaust shop. 200 bucks, out the door, brand new dual exhaust ( 2 1/4 inch, if you are curious) That was 3 years ago. No leaks, no problems. The swap is worthwhile to do. By the way, mallory sells a unilite distributor for the 351w for just under 200 bucks. I'd recommend that one. (just my opinion) Good luck with your swap. If you have any questions, feel free to pm.

 

[sloan]

The 351W has the correct oil pan.
Actually, it has everything correct, the front belt assembly, etc , as I'm bringing over the entire engine, not just the short block.

Pretty much the only detail is the exhaust.

I'm thinking about JBla shorties. And the muffler shop can handle the part between the muffler and the headers.

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