I bought my truck about a month ago and have yet to drive it because of the transmission. It currently has a 351w in it, but my friend has offered me a 390 that's just been rebuilt but needs heads for $700.

Should I pick the motor up for the truck? The truck is a 75 F100 and came with a 360 stock and C-6. I can find C-6 transmissions all over for big blocks. I figure I could possibly sell the 351w and transmission for almost $700?

Any thoughts on this?

 

Whats wrong with the transmission? Assuming its non functional, it will be rather hard to sell. As far as the 351, typically a used engine in my area goes for 250-350 depending on miles and work done to it. Since you have the windsor in it, and a bad tranny, i personally would look for an AOD to stick in there.

 

It had an AOD in it and it's bad. I picked up a C-6 for the truck. I was told by a lot of guys that the C-6 is a much stronger more durable transmission.

 

C-6 is stronger for sure, and for a stock 351 massive overkill imo. The C-6 draws more parasitic power than any other automatic i can think of. Although, you can build a AOD for dirt cheap (comparatively) that will do things a stock C6 would never be able to.
If i understand correctly youre just looking for opinions. What are your plans for the truck? DD, towing, mpg, reliablity? If youre towing, id go 390 (make sure its not a 360) with a C6 or 4spd. But for just a DD that will do mild light towing occaisionally... no way you could talk me out of the 351/AOD combo. Huge aftermarket for both, both reliable, and a great combination for some excellent fuel mileage / performance. imho, 351w /AOD is arguable the best combo for any half ton pickup.

 

I am old. Nothing beats cubic inches im my world. Looking at what you have though if you have no complaints out of the engine replace the trans. The money you will spend on the engine let alone heads and a C6 will be way more than just replacing your current trans. If you are related to me all of what I just said will be nothing to you. So many have told me to keep the "W" in my truck for many reasons. Me? NOPE! Going 385 series. 460/C6! No matter what have fun with it. If it's not fun make it fun.

 

Now you are talking me into fixing the AOD and just keeping the 351. I would use it sparingly for running around and probably tow about three or four times a month. When I checked on having it rebuilt and it seemed expensive?

 

Expensive compared to swapping out the engine and trans plus the cost of the engine and trans? I think not. Exhaust min $200. New driveshaft min $125. Radiator min $125 & we haven't even bought an engine or trans let alone all the misc involved in a swap like this. Plan on a min of $1500 to change it over to a 390/C6. That's if you get a really good deal on the engine trans combo. You state almost double for your engine that needs heads than what I am paying for my engine trans combo and I am still setting aside $1500. What were you quoted for the AOD rebuild?

 

I just looked what the guy said. He would put different clutch stuff in the AOD to make it better for towing and it cost $900.

 

That's not bad for a (I'm assuming) fully re-built AOD with upgraded clutch packs and hardware. You could always pick up a used AOD (usually they can be had for cheap, 100-250 or less) and run it for a while stock while you have yours re-built with the upgraded internals.

 

I think I would rather scratch up the money and get it done and out of the way. Just hate to spend the money right now I guess.

 

yea id stick with just fixing your trans. im swapping a 390 for another 390 and im already in the hole 350 bucks for little odds n ends

 

I have more power than i will ever need from my 390. Just the way i like it. It always amazes my how quickly this sob comes alive when you punch it. Stupid power. Love it.

 

This guy has serious seceret knowledge of life!!!

Personally, I'd go with having fun and doing the 390/C6.......but then again, that's what I have in my 76' 150 so I'm partial in that direction....

 

keep the 351w cheaper to get parts for then a 390..believe you can get a cheap stroker kit ffor it even...plus its not every day you see a 351w and aod in a 73-79