The swap is relatively easy. Most would suggest that you upgrade to disk brakes and heavier front springs just for the added weight and consistant stopping power. The C4 is a pretty good auto trans that will hold up to 400HP if properly set-up and many shops can do that. An AOD swap is possible but a little more complicated and reliabilty of the AOD with 400HP would be less. The 8" rear is commonly available and most likely strong enough but a 9" rear would be bulletproof. The engine is a matter of opinion, a late model 5.0 (302) will feel pretty good. 400 hp is really more than you need unless your racing it. A mild 302 with something like comp cams 268H and a Torker II intake and a Holley street avenger carb with pertronix ignition would be a good inexpensive way to go. You'll probably want to go with a later model engine just because of the hardened valves and seats for unleaded gas. Later (post 70's) Fords had low compression and large combustion chambers until you get to the 82 and up 5.0 engines. 351 Windsors had bigger valves pre 70's but later ones used 302 heads. Low compression hurts HP so you will want to change pistons and you most likely will rebuild the engine anyway unless you find a low mileage doner. My suggestion would be to find a cheap doner car like a torino, grenada, maverik or even a rusted beyond repair mustang to get most of your little parts like motor mounts, PS brakets, etc. but places like Mustangs Plus can fix you up with everything you need. Don't forget to upgrade the radiator too. It all just depends on your budget.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-...QQcmdZViewItem i like start with this block

 

what headscam and intake will work best for this ebay engine??

 

AFR's and any cam for a 351W. choose around .50 lift

i chose the lunati bracket master II cam and lifter kit





Brand: Lunati
ProductLine: Lunati Bracket Master II Cam and Lifter Kits
CamStyle: Hydraulic flat tappet
BasicOperatingRPMRange: 2,000-6,000 RPM
IntakeDurationat050inchLift: 224
ExhaustDurationat050inchLift: 234
Durationat050inchLift: 224 int./234 exh.
AdvertisedIntakeDuration: 290
AdvertisedExhaustDuration: 300
AdvertisedDuration: 290 int./300 exh.
IntakeValveLiftwithFactoryRockerArmRatio: 0.536 in.
ExhaustValveLiftwithFactoryRockerArmRatio: 0.562 in.
ValveLiftwithFactoryRockerArmRatio: 0.536 int./0.562 exh. lift
LobeSeparation(degrees): 112
IntakeValveLash: 0.000 in.
ExhaustValveLash: 0.000 in.

and my specs, i am told i should be good for pump gas