Hey,

I would like some opinions.

I have an 89 350 TBI, early GM Nv4500 (6.34:1 first) and an EB D20 that I was planning on swapping into my YJ.

I recently was thinking of finding an old Willys PU and dropping a 350 (FI of some sort) and the NV4500 in (probably won't be for another two years or so) with a D300, 14 Bolt rear (C&C) and 44 front. This would be my daily driver, tow rig, and I can plow/haul stuff with it too.

So the other option for the YJ (keeping driver's side drop) would be a 351W, NP435 and the EB D20. I want to stay FI, but don't have much knowledge on the FI systems available stock for the 351W. I would be working on a 203 doubler for the EB D20.

Overall, the costs would be roughly the same (still unsure of harness needs for the 351w FI) either way for the YJ (since I already have the 350 and the 4500).

In either case, the axles will be a 14 Bolt rear with 4.88s and a detroit, and I'l keep the 44 front for now (someday a 60...may try the CTMs/alloy shaft routewith the 44). I will be running 38s in the warm months, 35s in the winter.

Also in either case, I will probably build the tow rig/daily driver in a couple years and put the 350 and 4500 in it then (or at least the 4500, seems like it would be perfect for this).

So my question is (now that you have some background info......):

351W vs. 350?

Just wondering about the 351W...basic opinions on it, and the FI systems it uses.

Thanks,

Charly

350

OK. Great.

But why?

Originally posted by Charly
OK. Great.

But why?

Keep as much stuff common as you can between the two vehicles. I'd say go 350 in both or 351 in both. And since you already have one 350...... :)

TEX

Go with the 350. I have had both and like the 350 way better. It's got more power and way easier/cheaper to get parts for than the 351.

Not to mention you don't have all the quirky ford wiring problems, and Fuel injection problems. My 92 Bronco was a fawking lemon because of shitty ford wiring.

Originally posted by Charly
OK. Great.

But why?

What they said. I, too have owned vehicles with both and I'll just say that I wasn't trying to drag this thread into some asinine Ford vs Chevy argument. They are both decent, powerful, reliable engines and either one works good in a wheeler.

I'll just add that there is a much larger aftermarket, mounting options are cheaper, the distributor is better protected from mud and that dollar for dollar, you can build a stronger 350 than you can a 351W.

HTH,

Jake

if you are cool with TBI go chevy, it works great. If you want port injection and a tweaked out fuel injection system then the Ford is the way to go, because the 5.0 mustang crowd has created more of an aftermarket for the Ford fuel injection tweaking than the chevy. If it were me I would go with a TBI Chevy keep all of the EFI stuff simple and stock, that is a fine system with al of the bugs worked out long ago.

The Ford EEC IV system is great for modifying people are using this computer on fuel injected big block chevys and anything else you can imagine. If you want to go down that very expensive road, it would actually be cheaper to go Ford! Never thought you'd hear the day someone said it was cheaper to build a Ford than a Chevy did you?

Have you sat in a Wilys pick up? I love them and was thinking similar to you of building one into a daily driver, but there is no room you are too cramped for my tastes. I have a bronco that is narrowed 8 inches so If I think it is too narow.... Now I am thinking about a 60's body style crew cab dodge with the front of the bed bobbed to Toyota Hilux look.

the wheezer is a better motor
longer rods 5.99 or so
enough bolts on the valve covers so they dont leak
fully machined valve cover rails so they dont leak
there are more computer options for the ford due to the 5.0 mustang popularity in the 90s, run the mustang mass air computer and harness w 24lb injectors
distributor in the front so you dont have to fight the firewall
small cc heads so easy to bump compression with out huge dome pistons
more feulie intake manifold choices

The small block Ford is about 100lbs lighter than the bowtie. If you stay with the motor almost tolaly stock then I would say the Chevy works better and is more simple but if you do want to do some hopping up of the injection then go with the Ford. All the stuff that is out there for the Ford due the Mustang guys is awsume. Just look through an issue if Mustangs & fast Fords and I think you will be impressed.