this is my first post so bare with me . I recently purchased a 67 base cougar with a 289 and c4 trans,and both are shot . I have an opportunity to purchase a stock 351 Windsor ,out of a 78 Ford pickup that has less than 10,000 miles on the rebuild . Due to a wife and 3 teenage daughters funds are limited.would this be an easy swap ,would everything matchup as it would on the 289 block,as far as transmission motor mounts and firewall clearance ?
Overall what are your thoughts on modifications other than the obvious 4 barrel carb intake and headers ? I am NOT trying to build a race card just something I can have some fun with.
Swap everything off the front of the 289 on to the 351W, this includes timing gears, fuel pump eccentric, front cover, harmonic balancer (yes, balanced the same), water pump, pulleys, etc. Find a 351W front sump oil pan and pickup.
Get one of THESE to mount the alternator.
Use the 289 flexplate.
Will require some exhaust work, headers for a 69 usually fit NP.
limited on hood clearance with a 351W.
Motor mounts interchange.
78 should have a DurasparkI distributor & coil, swap over to electronic very easily with the Duraspark ECM or MSD6A. SBF’s respond well to a quicker advance curve but if you get too quick the motor will have an appetite for premium fuel.
Stay with a mild hydraulic cam unless you change rear gears, valve springs.
Larger carburetor doesn’t mean more power. Mild motor, 600cfm maximum.
Welcome to the Cougar maddness.
The main differance is the 351w has a taller deck height. Easy swap and you can always go back to the 289 if you want to keep it original at a later date.
Man, I cut it real close on my 302-351 swap. After I installed a thick rubber gasket under my edelbrock carb to help stop the heat from burning up the fuel bowl, (Hot starts were a problem) I placed a piece of gum between the ford wingnut and lowered the hood slowly. The gum was flat as a dime.[album][/album]