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Expert: - 10/30/2008


Question

Fuel-Injected 351
Hi, Dan!
Well, I just ordered a lightweight frame for a simple drag-racer. The engine I hope to put on it is a 5.8-Liter 351 that was torn from a 1995 Ford Econoline 150 Conversion Van. The engine came with 280 stock horses, and I have made plans to greatly up that; what is in the way is that this engine is made to be run fuel-injected. I need to find some way to convert this engine to run with the Holley 4-barrel atop an Edelbrock. The fuel injectors need to be scraped, and the carb put in place. What is the best way of going about this?
Thanks!     -Scott Johnson

Answer
Hi Scott:

My friends will tell you that I start to lose count about the 5th or 6th spark plug, so I'm not the V-8 guru.

I'll tell you where I would start though, at www.summitracing.com and call on thier local line for the tech guys. Those guys are great and very knowledgable. Do them the courtesy of NOT using the toll free number until you're ready to place an order.

The other thing you should do is start using Google with phrases that say what you're looking for. Like "351 Ford  heads for carburetor".

That and contact my friend Randy Cooper out in Phoenix , at  fastcash@cehighperformance.com..  When I have V-8 questions, I always try to get his input. He's a pro drag race engine buider out there and really knows his stuff..

Good luck Scott, I wish I had better answers for yoiu , but these guys WILL be able to help you.

Best Wishes,

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentHey, thanks for the info. I called the people, and they helped me greatly. After the mods were made, which was just really new heads to fit the manifold on, the engine ran on the barb. I just got back from the dyno after my performance mods were made, and the engine is running 672 horsepower at 3450 rpm; 654 foot-pounds at 2565 rpm. Thanks for the help!


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Dan Liddy

Expertise

Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

Experience

I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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