I have been reading a lot here about how difficult a 351 install is in a Maverick. What makes it so much more difficult than a 302 install? Many Mavericks and Comets came with a 302. What is the difference? Is the 351 much wider? I know the intakes are different. I know the 351 is taller. Special motor mounts? Can someone explain the difference, please? Thanks in advance. Jim
Since the 351 is wider.....spark plug changes can be a hassle.....(as if it ain't a tough job on a 302) Also, different headers are necessary ( I think) I have also seen on this board where some intakes are too tall to work in conjunction with the stock hood.....All of this is just what I have heard others run in to....I have no experience with it myself.....I'm sure others will chime in on this and help you out more than I can! Anyway, Good Luck with your decision!! Take care! Preston
The install itself is not much harder. The 302 and 351c/w all share the same mounting, bellhousing, pulley, etc... charateristics. The problems were alluded to in the second post: Headers and Service after the install Shaving the towers helps alot, but is not manditory. Dave
I have seen cars with either 351 and stock manifolds. So it is apparently possible, however, I am sure it matters greatly on which model/year car the manifolds came from. Also, some mods may be needed. We installed a 351c once with 70 Stang manifolds... The only way they fit though was to grind all the excess bumps, ribs, and tabs off the entire exterior of the casting. There must have been 3lbs of useless metal cast into those manifolds! Edit: Also matters if you are using an auto/manual and floor/column shift too I'm sure! The 70 351c would NOT work with manual tranny at all. Pretty sure the column shift auto would be out, or require major linkage mods.
i ran a 351 w in mine for a while. no shaved towers. really hard to change the plugs without shaving the towers. tubular automotive makes headers. i had a set on mine when i got it but i don't know what the brand is. the motor mounts are the same. i ran an edelbrock performer or torker ll with a holley on it and a stock grabber hood.
Speaking of hood clearance... I have ran 302 intakes with hood clearance issues on a Mav, so it's not just a 351 thing. No matter the engine, there will be intakes that need a shorter air cleaner or extra clearance built into the hood.
i have a friend witha 71 mav with a 351w and headers. it fits with out any mods but like you all have said its tight. he put in a 8 qt pan and had to change out the lower controll arms to gain a little bit more clearance. after he realized the intake and carb sat too high for the stock hood he purchased a f/g cowl hood. his original hood is the one sitting on my car. even with the scoop it didnt work.
Why did he have to do that? It must have been a kickout pan, correct? If so, many 302 kickout pans won't fit a Mav... I have used Moroso 10" sumps on 302 and 351 Mavs and they worked fine. What intake was that?
im sorry i dont have too many details on his set up. the pan was pretty wide between the lower controll arms so he took a grinder to the insides of the arms and shaved them down a little. after they cracked all the way through though he bought a welded tubular set rather than the stamped set and that gave him slightly more clearance. there was never any interfearance on the stock ones, he just wanted the peace of mind of a little extra i dont know the intake setup but it is tall. with the high intake and tall open air cleaner it definatly sits a few inches higher than stock.
