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Can you swap a 302 into 1981 e350 box truck with 351w?

Yes, you can swap a 302 into a 1981 E350 box truck that originally had a 351W, but it will require some work. While both are Ford small-block V8s, there are differences that necessitate modifications:

* Engine Mounts: The 302 and 351W have different engine block dimensions and therefore require different motor mounts. You'll need to either fabricate new motor mounts or source mounts designed for a 302 in an E-series chassis of that year.

* Transmission: The transmission compatibility depends on what transmission was originally in the truck. If it's a C6 automatic, it's likely compatible with a 302, but you might need an adapter plate or different flexplate depending on the specific year and configuration of your C6. If it's a manual transmission, compatibility becomes more complex and might require a different transmission entirely.

* Exhaust System: The exhaust manifolds or headers will not be interchangeable. You'll need a new exhaust system designed for a 302.

* Wiring Harness: The wiring harness for the 302 will likely be different. You might need to modify the existing harness or source a harness specific to a 302 in a similar-year application. This is often a significant undertaking.

* Cooling System: While the cooling system might work, some modifications may be needed depending on the radiator and fan setup.

* Computer Control (if applicable): If your 351W had computer-controlled fuel injection, the 302's computer will be different and require changes to the wiring harness and possibly other components. A carburetor conversion might simplify things significantly.

* Driveshaft: The driveshaft length might be slightly off depending on the specifics of the 302 and transmission combination.

In short: The swap is feasible, but it's not a straightforward bolt-in job. It's a significant project that requires mechanical aptitude and potentially specialized tools. You'll need to research the specifics of your truck's current transmission, engine mounts, and other components to determine the exact modifications needed. Consider consulting with a mechanic experienced with engine swaps in older Ford trucks to get a realistic estimate of time and cost.