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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
What is anyones opinion on taking my 302 out of my EB and installing a 5.7L TBI chev motor.

The reason is I want to use a 700R4 transmission and the adapter for the gm trans to the ford bellhousing is more than the cost of a TBI motor.
 

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I say go for it, I think there's a legality problem with doing that swap but..... any mod that adds power is a good one. Some people may have a problem with swaping one major brand to another but hey if you want to do it then do it. I think it'd be cool. Good luck!

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81 rust bucket Bronco 33" muds just for havin fun
 

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This is not a brand decision, I like the Vortecs get great HP and better gas mileage, but I prefer a 351w over the chev 350, plus it would be easier to adapter in the 700R4 by modify the smaller end of the bell housing. Or you could try to find 1 Ton F350 with motor/tranny...I dunno know...with what T-case?

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
I have a 5.8L FI motor for my EB now but it is too tall to fit under the hood so by changing to a 350 I get TBI and a motor that fits under the hood. I am using an Atlas II
t-case so I'm not too concerned about the other side of the 700R4.
 

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Yes they are quite tall with all the EFI stuff on there, aren't they? Well go with the Chevy stuff then if it is going to work for you.

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Why not just change to an aftermarket intake manifold?

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Paul Gagnon
Burnaby, B.C.
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I was going to go crazy but then I realized that I already have a summer home there.
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Actually with a 3" body lift it still sticks out of the hood by almost 5".
The front of the motor is the highest point and hood scoops are usually higher in the back than the front.
If I were to change to GT40 upper and lower intakes (or Edelbrock) it would fit but I would need a new throttle body and injectors to match (that's what I was told anyway), all those pieces add up to a lot of money and I would still need an adapter to use the 700R4.
 

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That almost seems impossible for the engine to be that much taller than the 302's that came factory in your vehicle. What about dropping the engine with custom engine mounts. But still the 351W block is the same as the 302 and I can't see this motor being 8" taller than a fully dressed 302 (carb and air cleaner)! I beleive you have been mis-imformed, I have seen lots of EB's with 351W in all the magazines!

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
Your right I'm on crack, I should have said without a body lift it sticks out about 5" and with a 3" body lift it sticks out about 2", the only problem is the highest point is about 6" behind the rad and off to the passenger side. There have been a few people with them in their EB's but they have a very odd looking hood scoop. Remember I am talking about a 5.8L FI motor and to my surprise they are a lot taller than a carbed motor. I actually bought a 5.8L and tried to get it to fit but I couldn't get around the funny looking hood scoop. I did think about lowering the motor a bit but my t-case sticks down low enough already.
 

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It's a 4x4 it ain't purdy.


But seriously as far as the air cleaner sticking out switch to a snorkle. Exactly what part of the motor is it that is protruding so gaudily?

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Well for now I would just bolt on your 302 intake and carb and get that freaking 5.8L in your damn truck, spring is coming soon!



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Originally posted by Broncomania:
What is anyones opinion on taking my 302 out of my EB and installing a 5.7L TBI chev motor.
I say go for it. Not much else in your truck is stock anyway :). The 5.7 will get good mileage (compared to the 5.8) and Pam will like the extra power over your 302
.

Let me know when you're swapping the motor in. Depending on your timing, I'll either have mine done and can help with the harness or I'll use yours to practice


FYI - I've got the fuel system all sorted out. Grant set me up with a cheap pump designed for the TBI swap. Give me a shout and I'll show you the pieces I'm using.

With you, Mike, and I all running TBI350's we should have the trail spares covered anyway.


Edit: Forgot to mention - I've got the factory shop manuals (including wiring) for the '88 TBI trucks if you need them

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Jon B.
'82 CJ7 Some mods (Hers)
'82 CJ7 More mods (His)
'02 Chev 3500 LT D/A

[This message has been edited by jeeponrock (edited February 21, 2002).]
 

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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
Originally posted by Big Bad Pete:


-But seriously as far as the air cleaner sticking out switch to a snorkle. Exactly what part of the motor is it that is protruding so gaudily?

The throttle body on the 5.8L sticks out the front of the upper plenum and also the EGR valve is up that high as well.

I actually just bought a 1989 5.7L TBI with a 700R4 so I will start installing it on Sat. afternoon. Also the new motor has cruise control so now when I go to Moab it will be a pleasure (sarcasm).

I actually thought I would get a lot of negative comments but so far they have been good so I think Project Bowtie Bronco is a go ahead. Notice I didn't post this in the Ford section.
 

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Originally posted by Broncomania:
Originally posted by Big Bad Pete:

I actually just bought a 1989 5.7L TBI with a 700R4 so I will start installing it on Sat. afternoon. Also the new motor has cruise control so now when I go to Moab it will be a pleasure (sarcasm).

I actually thought I would get a lot of negative comments but so far they have been good so I think Project Bowtie Bronco is a go ahead. Notice I didn't post this in the Ford section.

Hey broncomaniac, cruise control could be as simple as a brick on the gas pedal...lol

And nobody can dispute the 5.7L engines reputation for reliability, power, and an abundance of parts.

I am saddened to see that the 351W would not work out for you but the swap should meet your requirements and that is what matters...good luck...but I better not see a bowtie on the front of that thing!


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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
-I am saddened to see that the 351W would not work out for you but the swap should meet your requirements and that is what matters...good luck...but I better not see a bowtie on the front of that thing!-

The 351W is for sale by the way...hint, hint.

I promise I won't put a bowtie on the front, and I might even paint it Ford blue with a Ford air cleaner cover.
 

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Do they make a bellhousing for small block fords to NP435, maybe an EB bellhousing?!

Plus my pig of a 351M has good bottom end and runs well, it gots a lot more miles, but if I know anyone looking I will refer them to this!

Paint the engine pink for all I care, but you cant hind the exhaust manifolds...LOL


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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Originally posted by desteurm:
Do they make a bellhousing for small block fords to NP435, maybe an EB bellhousing?!

Paint the engine pink for all I care, but you cant hind the exhaust manifolds...LOL


Yup, they make the bellhousing for small block Ford to NP435, I think it is common, I am using my 3 speed bellhousing.
 
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