I'm in the process of switching my 4cyl notch over to a 351W, and I know there is a lot of information out there, and trust me i've searched a lot. Everyone says different things about the swap... I'e read that you need to change the rear fuel and brake lines dash harness and all kinds of odd parts. Can someone who has done the swap * successfully* please enlighten me on what is a must and what isn't. Thanks
4cyl to 351W
- Thread starter rceleexpt
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skunk21
Active Member
do some more searching but these are the basics,
since you didn't post what year your car is 92-93's have a different wiring harness than the 87-89, 90 (air bag harness) & 91 (different harness and air bag) 92-93 ( different harness again and air bag) in relation to relay locations, headlights, o2's, tranny type, etc so try and keep the harness to the year.
The 4cyl uses different brakes than the V8, the front calipers, spindle,hoses,brackets, and master I would upgrade even more so going to a 351.
The 4cyl has the weak 7.5 rearend add a 8.8 swap to list if you are even thinking about feeding the torque of a 351 to the 7.5.
fuel lines run up the drives side on the 4cyl and on the pass. on the V8
351 swap headers are needed for starters on the 351 swap but there is tons of info on the 5.8 swap.
4cyl radiator to small to cool a 351, also need hoses and fan set up.
4cyl springs are on the soft side for holding the weight of a V8 I would upgrade ..your call.
4cyl steering rack works but the V8 rack is much better.
I would get a good donor car of possible to grab parts off of. have fun.
since you didn't post what year your car is 92-93's have a different wiring harness than the 87-89, 90 (air bag harness) & 91 (different harness and air bag) 92-93 ( different harness again and air bag) in relation to relay locations, headlights, o2's, tranny type, etc so try and keep the harness to the year.
The 4cyl uses different brakes than the V8, the front calipers, spindle,hoses,brackets, and master I would upgrade even more so going to a 351.
The 4cyl has the weak 7.5 rearend add a 8.8 swap to list if you are even thinking about feeding the torque of a 351 to the 7.5.
fuel lines run up the drives side on the 4cyl and on the pass. on the V8
351 swap headers are needed for starters on the 351 swap but there is tons of info on the 5.8 swap.
4cyl radiator to small to cool a 351, also need hoses and fan set up.
4cyl springs are on the soft side for holding the weight of a V8 I would upgrade ..your call.
4cyl steering rack works but the V8 rack is much better.
I would get a good donor car of possible to grab parts off of. have fun.
ID89GT
10 Year Member
Yes it is a must. The v8 fuel rails go down to the pass side wheel well where the fuel lines come up for a v8 car, while the original 4 cylinder fuel lines are on the driver side like previously stated and would not work.
You can get most of these hard to find parts on ebay or on corral. There are always people on corral parting out cars and you can just tell them what you are looking for.
I'm in the mist of doing the same conversion - only in the motor phase now(rebuilding) - but I was planning on cleaning the gas tank (there's a kit/sealer) (or buy a new one) - put in the correct fuel 'pick-up' - I think you get one off of a ranger or 89 lx spec or something and then running my own fuel line w/a 90 psi electric fuel pump/regulator ......isn't this the best way to go? -
