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There is no replacement for displacement! The 351w is a great near bolt-in using carburetor aspiration (EFI is acknowledged but a little more work), a few aftermarket parts and it will drop in. This is the install basics and what you will need to think about before starting a project like this!



  1. 1
    Disconnect battery and remove. Jack up car and securely block for safe undercarriage work.Starting on the top of the 5.0, disconnect electrical plugs for EFI, drain and remove Radiator, jack and secure transmission, remove engine mount bolts, remove bell housing bolts including starter.
  2. 2
    Using engine hoist, pull out the 5L and store. Depending on the amount of miles the sale of this engine may pay for some or all of the aftermarket parts needed.
  3. 3
    Now this gives you time and space to clean and prep engine bay, tie up loose wires and paint to your desired color,
  4. 4
    Look at your budget: Do you want EFI or carbureted? You can find the EFI set up at any auto wrecker, it is usually found in a 1ton Ford Van, or 1/2ton f-150. If You go with the carb, Jegs, Summit, Ebay, and other internet sites and stores handle these parts. Be diligent, as there are a lot of parts out there but some are only for 5.0 and some only 351w.
  5. 5
    If you have your 351w on the engine stand, see if it is a newer 351w. It will already have the EFI intake. You will be able to use the 5.0 Motor Mounts, exhaust headers (stock manifolds from the 5.0 are to restrictive) if your engine has the stock 351w exhaust manifolds, you would be better off buying headers as they add 10-15extra HP.
  6. 6
    The oil pan, now here is where it gets tricky. Either buy the Ford Racing 351w Kit, or find a 1987-91 oil pan out of a Thunderbird and order a pick up tube, and dipstick.
    • 28oz external Balanced Flywheel and matching Harmonic Balancer(This is very important **The 5.0 flywheel WILL NOT WORK!it is a 50oz!)
    • FRP 351w Swap Oil Pan Kit
    • 1"3/8 Tube Headers or Long tube 351w Headers,
    • 351w Mustang Fox Engine Mounts (solid lowering mounts)
    • Aluminum 4brl Manifold (custom)
    • HEI 351w Distributor, Accel  8mm yellow wires
      • The 351w will sit 1"1/2 Higher so a hood scoop may be needed.
  7. 7
    Once you have dressed the new parts on the engine, it's time to hoist this Bad Boy into its new home! Line the trans and the engine up, make sure not to force it together as the pilot bearing is small and breakable,
  8. 8
    Once the engine mounts have been secured, bolt on headers, install rad and hoses. Not all things will work, at this point you would've either set up a pulley system so the alt and steering pump should be already installed. Don't install engine until you figure out your belt system. For example, you can go old school with double V belts but a complete auto wrecker base should have come with a complete set up if not this could trouble you at completion.
  9. 9
    You will have to use a fuel pressure regulator if you are using a carb and some extra wiring issues. If you went with the EFI it will be a little challenging hooking up the EFI but should be a snap together as Ford used the same injector plugs on all engine. Distributor should plug into stock distributor harness, but if you go with the HEI dist, a hot wire to the ignition will have to be made.
  10. 10
    Trouble shooting at this step is usually what's next. Top up fluids, check ground wires, check clamps and bolts for tightness,


  • If you have a mechanic friend, get some help if needed.
  • If something isn't going right, put it down take a break then try again. Anger is the worst enemy with this kind of project.

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