Thread: 302 to 351 mod in a '31 Model A?

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I've pulled out the 302 out of my '31 Model A and it's not looking pretty. Looks like it's in need of a thourough rebuild - heads shaved, new seals, timing chain, etc. I've got a shot at a 351, but am wondering what issues I'll have with that proposed swap. I know one thing that I'm concerned is the steering column to exhaust manifold on the passenger side.

What do the experts out there think? I'm just getting in to this "rodding" thing, and most of my experience is swapping or rebuilding exactly what came out goes back in - except for unternal to the motor.

Anyone out there have a 351 Clevland in a '31 Model A? What probelms can I anticipate?

Thanks

Dave

I would recommend finding a 351-W as its close in size to a 302.its about a 1 1/2 taller and wider then a 302 and has a bit more torque. Jeff

JYJ - sorry for the error on my part - it is a Windsor, as it's a small block. Yeah - the 1-1/2" is what concerns me. Everything was pretty tight with the 302. I wish I took some measurements before I pulled it out, but I never anticipated having to worry about swapping in a new motor. The main concern is in the area of the steering column and the exhaust manifold.

I do like the idea of more CI - but I don't want to run in to having to do a bunch of modifications. The 302 needing major work was not expected, and the 351 has only 100 miles on it. I can pick it up for $1K.

Dave

Go for the 351, that's the only Ford engine worth having. There are stock manifolds that hug the engine closer than others and make the 351 narrower, shop around the boneyard. You're gonna love your 351. The torque increase will make your "A" a joy to drive over the "peaky" 302.

OK - I'm going for the 351W. Now the question I have, as I know my issue is going to be around the steering shaft between where the steering column that comes out of the body (near the firewall) to the steering box, where do I go for parts. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to somehow get the part that comes directly from the steering wheel to be longer, so the piece that goes bewtween this piece and the steering box essentially moves lower and therefore more parrallel with the frame - thereby getting past the headers. Right now that section crosses diagonally right through the ares where eh exhaust manifold comes off. Where do you go for these types of part?

Dave

I dont think you should have any problem as the lower block is basicly the same as a 302,if you have the steering setup now it should work with a 351-W. A 351-w is about a 1 1/2 wider and taller so I would think that the steering parts you have should work as a 351 will bolt to the 302 mounts you have so nothing will be changed on the lower block. Jeff

"Where do you go for these types of part?"

http://www.borgeson.com/
http://www.rodgarage.com/FlamingRiver.htm

JYJ - the 302 didn't have much clearance near the exhaust manifold - and moving these the 1-1/2" higher - I firmly believe will move the exhaust manifold either very close, or right in to the steering hardware. It's not just straight up - but out at a particular angle - maybe 30 degrees off perpendicular.

Dave

Oh Oh! My motor mounts are different on the 302 - it's two bolts per mount - where the 351 has three bolts. This thing isn't going to be as easy as it was sounding. I was concerned solely about the additional 1-1/2" height on the heads conflicting with the steering column shaft. How do I get out of this one? Is it simply a different motor mount, or do I have to modify the crossmember?

I think I'm in over my head guys - help!

Thanks

Dave

A few years ago, I swapped a 351W into a '72 Ford Bronco, to replace the stock 302. Everything fit fine lower down, and the only problem was with the drivers side valve cover. As has been said, the engine is higher and wider. The back corner of the valve cover hit the firewall, and I had to make a pocket for it. No big difficulty, it only took a few minutes.

Lar.

A good running 302 should scoot that A down the road pretty good. Why not make life easy and either buy one of the crate motors, or if you are thinking low buck I bet you can find a low milage salvage yard motor. The 302 in my 46 coupe is stock except for Edelbrock intake and carb, it keeps me happy.