Tag part swaps

Great question! When it comes to finding a donor vehicle for a serpentine swap on your 351W, you want to look for trucks or vans from the late ’80s to early ’90s. Here are some recommended donor vehicles:

Best Donor Vehicles

1. Ford F-150 (1987-1996): These trucks often came with the 5.0L or 5.8L engines, which are similar to the 351W. They typically have compatible serpentine setups.

2. Ford Bronco (1987-1996): Like the F-150, the Bronco from this era will have a similar engine setup and can provide you with the serpentine belt system you need.

3. Ford Explorer (1991-1994): The V8 Explorers can also have compatible hardware, especially if you’re looking for a more compact setup.

4. Ford Expedition (1997 onward): If you’re looking for something newer, the Expedition can provide a modern serpentine setup, though modifications may be needed to fit in the Bullnose.

Where to Find Donor Vehicles

• Local Junkyards: Check out your local auto salvage yards. They can be a goldmine for donor parts. Bring a good list and take your time to find what you need.

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp often have listings for older vehicles being sold for parts. You can often negotiate a good deal.

• Classic Car Shows: Attend local car shows or swap meets. You might find someone with a parts truck or get leads on where to find one.

• Community Forums: Don’t forget to check the Bullnose Ford subreddit at reddit.com/r/bullnoseford. The community there is helpful and might share leads or even have parts available.

Tips for Buying

• Inspect the Donor Vehicle: If possible, inspect the donor vehicle before buying. Look for signs of wear and check the condition of the serpentine components.

• Ask About History: Try to find out how well the vehicle was maintained. A well-kept truck will have better parts for your swap.

Swapping to a serpentine setup can be a rewarding project, and with the right donor, you’ll be well on your way to improving your Bullnose. If you have more questions about the swap or need tips along the way, just let me know!

Yes, Mustang brackets can indeed work for your serpentine swap on the 351W! In fact, using brackets from a late-model Mustang can be a great way to achieve a clean installation, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Compatibility

1. Engine Year: Make sure the Mustang brackets you’re considering come from a car with the same engine configuration. For example, 5.0L Mustangs from the late ’80s to early ’90s will have similar setups.

2. Belt Alignment: Brackets from Mustangs are designed to work with their specific accessory configurations, so you’ll need to ensure that the alignment matches your setup on the Bullnose. This is crucial for proper belt tension and performance.

Modifications

3. Fabrication: You may need to do a bit of fabrication to make the Mustang brackets fit your Bullnose. Custom brackets or spacers might be necessary to get everything aligned properly.

4. Accessory Compatibility: Keep in mind that the accessories (like the alternator and power steering pump) from the Mustang may differ from what you had on your Bullnose. You may need to swap out some components to ensure everything works smoothly.

Benefits

5. Weight and Aesthetics: Mustang brackets are often lighter and can provide a more polished look in your engine bay, which is a nice bonus!

Resources

For a more detailed overview and tips on using Mustang brackets, you might want to check out the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel. They often dive into modifications and can provide some visual guidance that’s super helpful.

Overall, using Mustang brackets can be a great choice for your serpentine swap. Just be prepared for some trial and error in terms of fitting and alignment. If you run into any hiccups, feel free to ask for more advice! Happy wrenching!