351 Carb vs. EFI

[MadMatt]

Dont you dare bring up a big block! lol If youre hard on cash and low on EFI parts go with the 351.

[Notch]

ya, but its just a thought because i can get that cheaper and it doesent' have to be rebuilt and i can throw a carb setup on it. but like i said, nothing is set in stone yet

[351capri]

if you did a 460, you will prolly need a 4" cowl hood, but i think the swap headers are cheaper for a 460 than a 351 (hooker supercomps) i could be wrong though

[theduckylittle]

dare i bring up the idea of going big block?? at the rv place i work at there is a relativly low mileage EFI 460 complete in a salvage rv that i think i could get cheaper than doing the 351 swap. just an idea...

Why don't you try simple first. Like putting a 302 into the car. Then work on the big-boy projects.

Seriously, it doesn't matter how many magazine's you've read or how many part-numbers and displacements you decide to recite -- you need to learn the skills and the process before you get adventurous.

460's, Clevelands, and even 351W swaps can involve mild to moderate fabrication (even with swap kits), learn to do the simple stuff first.

[Notch]

ok, well, since i said nothing is set in stone, here is what i was thinking of for big block:

460 rv motor
cheapie carb setup for now
i have access to a cheap c6
8.8 rear (because its a 4 cyl car right now)
fuel pump
motor mounts
oil pan
drive shaft

but w/ the 351 i would need to rebuild the motor completely, pull the harness or use different harness/comp setup, stock aod tranny until i can swap to 5 speed, which would take a while because i would rather go tremec or gforce instead of t5 (build it right the first time), and run the stock truck intake.

so basically they are both looking roughly about the same price. the 351 would need a full build, which i have never done before. the 460 needs the time and different misc parts to make it fit into the fox.

[Notch]

Why don't you try simple first. Like putting a 302 into the car. Then work on the big-boy projects.

Seriously, it doesn't matter how many magazine's you've read or how many part-numbers and displacements you decide to recite -- you need to learn the skills and the process before you get adventurous.

460's, Clevelands, and even 351W swaps can involve mild to moderate fabrication (even with swap kits), learn to do the simple stuff first.

this is because i can get my hands on a 351 or 460 easier than a 302 (for some reason..)

[Notch]

also, i am doing this swap in a shop w/ a lift and welder, and all the tools needed to fabricate w/e needed. i realize there is A LOT of work involved in either swap, but i have all winter to do this and i rather put in a decent motor the first time (not that the 302 isn't decent, but i rather start with more displacement) then to have to keep swapping motors. i have also done swaps before, so i'm not a total n00b

[MadMatt]

Youre killing me you little bastard!

[Notch]

i was jsut looking at costs....

but i will probably go w/ 351, i was just "exploring all of the options". i still haven't even decided on carb or efi yet.... decision making sux

[MadMatt]

I know man. Ive been there


Heres a tip! Dont be optimistic about how much money you will have for the next year. You want this ready by spring right? Think pessimistically. Think of the smallest amount of money you can comfortably have saved. Thats your budget and all youve got! Look at your expenses. Alot of parts you named dont come cheap!

[Notch]

alright, after research here is my decision:

rebuild 351
use van efi
use van harness/comp

what should i use for fuel pump??

can i use an aod w/ the van harness/comp??

can i use the stock 4 cyl auto driveshaft w/ the 351 aod, or should i get it relengthened, or can i use a 302 aod driveshaft??

are 7.5 and 8.8 driveshafts specific to each axle, because of the cost of the rebuild, i will have to use the 7.5 for a little while??

other than mounts and pan, what is needed to get the treefiddyone in there, hood clearance aside??

thanx for the help!

[Notch]

I know man. Ive been there


Heres a tip! Dont be optimistic about how much money you will have for the next year. You want this ready by spring right? Think pessimistically. Think of the smallest amount of money you can comfortably have saved. Thats your budget and all youve got! Look at your expenses. Alot of parts you named dont come cheap!

ya, i realize this. but the big thing that is a bit of a problem is the 351 has ~150k on it and prolly needs a freshening. i was just looking at 460 because i don't have to rebuild, can get it cheaper, and it makes more power (which is what everyone is in search of, right??) basically, as of now, lets say my budget is $2000 for the swap. i already have the complete van, so thats the first step. you can see in my previous post basically what my setup will be, so if you can suggest some tips on what to spend the budget on, it will help.

so far i just have the donor van and a new 351 fox oil pan

[Notch]

also, roughly, do you think i can rebuild the whole motor for ~$1000?? thats the big hurdle to overcome right now

[Notch]

460's, Clevelands, and even 351W swaps can involve mild to moderate fabrication (even with swap kits), learn to do the simple stuff first.

and i suppose doing h22 hondas and 454 chevies don't count as experience? i may be young, but i'm not a n00b

[Iroc-Z]

Why dont you wait on pulling the motor in the lx till you have one ready to go in?