New Owner - Started Complete Kit - Need to confirm engine and trans to look for

[SliderJack]

Good morning, I picked up my new kit over the weekend. Very excited!

Sorry for having such a newbie question, but the original owner ordered the following parts I'd like more information about, specifically what motor and trans to look for...

13083 302-351 ENGINE/TRANS MOUNT KIT

16445 351W HEADERS AND FASTENERS WITH KIT

16038 31 SPLINE 2015 IRS 8.375" DRIVESHAFT

2018 IRS 3.55 CENTER SECTION AND SPINDLES

16799 POWER STEERING COMPONENTS W/COMPLETE KIT

So, it looks like I need to find a 351W right? and Temec TKO transmission. Is the frame mount the same regardless of motor? So if I switched out the mounts, headers, and driveshaft I could go a different route, say Coyote. I like the 351w but would like to know if I have options in case I run across the perfect Coyote motor. :)

Is there a specific Tremec trans I should look for? Are the 500 and 600 models both "TKO" or are there 3 different models, TKO, 500 and 600?

Are there certain models with 31 splines that will fit the driveshaft?

Where is a good place to get the trans? I looked at Mike Forte's site and I was concerned with a note that said the TKO had been discontinued? And the 500 and 600 didn't appear to be in stock?

I'm shooting for around 400-450hp. I'd like a roller cam 351w. Are there any good threads on cost comparisons between getting a junkyard motor and buying a crate/prebuilt engine? Can you save much doing it yourself? It looks like the aluminum top-ends are already around $4K.

Any specific oil pain requirements? I'd like to get a road-race pan. Levy? Canton? Milidon? Is there a certain model/size I should look for?

As for the Power Steering kit, did it include anything other than the rack? What type of power steering pump should I look for?

Thanks in advance!

[JeffP]

You are not locked into any particular engine. With the proper mounts, headers, etc you can switch to whatever you want. The chassis is the same. If you call Mike I'm sure he can provide all your options and get you setup quickly. The TKX replaced the TKO and will fit without issue.

[CaptB]

I had some of the same questions and what JeffP said was right, you're not locked out on the Ford side. If you wanted to switch to an LS you might have a problem (other than the problem of the LS :-)).

Not sure where you're sourcing your engine but I would give Mike Forte a call. Forte's Parts.

Capt. B

[CraigS]

I can't compare costs on 351 well at all but I heartily recommend them. When you look at the Edelbrock (for example) top end kits note that their HP numbers are from an engine w/ about a 9-1 compression ratio. So that means you don't need anything fancy internally. A stock roller 351 w/ a decent stock rebuild including balancing will work fine. No need for forged internals at the 450 power level. A lot of the stock internals are what people upgrade a 302 to. Thicker main cap bolts, rod bolts, oil pump drive shaft, etc you get for free in the 351. The relatively low CR also means it will be just fine on standard premium gas. And, if you want more than the 450HP, a stock block can go to 408 cubes w/ a stroker kit. I second Jeff's recommendation to call Mike. I called him once maybe 3pm and we chatted about the stuff I needed and got it all nailed down. So I asked if he would take my order over the phone or should I just use his website. He said usually he would be glad to take my order but while we have been chatting I have been in the grocery store picking up a cake for my daughter's birthday and I will head over there now. This had been at least a 10 minute, probably a 15 minute call, while he was standing at the grocery store.

[nuhale]

You are not locked into a 351. The engine mounts on the chassis are universal to Ford. Not sure what you bought which could be limiting to a coyote. You will need the coyote footbox aluminum panels to allow for space. It's a tight fit! FFR was able to send me the aluminum panels on my early MK4 and was a painless conversion. I believe they are shipping all the kits now with same footbox so you may already have it. If you share a pic we can verify for you. Engine mounts and drive shaft are smaller costs IMO to getting the engine you want!

[edwardb]

Agree with other responses. The chassis itself doesn't lock you into the 351. Other Ford options including the Coyote will work. For a Coyote, you would need different engine mounts, headers, driveshaft, and power steering components. The IRS pieces are for any engine setup. Factory Five has been supplying the same aluminum panels for all engines for some time. I too had an early Mk4 that worked best with modified panels for the Coyote. Unless yours is a very early version (5+ years ago) what you have will work for a Coyote or anything else. Also as noted, the TKO is discontinued and no longer available. The TKX replaced it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

One final note because the guys covered the rest. RE: the TKX; if you use it with a Coyote you're good to go however if you combine it with a Windsor (either 302 or 351 based) you'll need the updated transmission mount "A" frame or do a bit of fabrication to the original due to interference.

Good luck!

Jeff

[SliderJack]

Thanks for all the info!!!

I built a Cobra 25+ years ago, an Everett-Morrison. It had a 351 windsor with Edelbrock RPM Performer and Tremec TKO. I liked it a lot, so I'll probably go that way.

So excited about the FFR! Body is so much nicer and so much less fiberglass than my previous Cobra.

Not to mention I'm super stoked about getting the kit I really wanted when it came out. I just picked up #11 of 25, of the 25th anniversary cars. So stoked!!!