Hi I am new and this is my first post. I recently bought a 1969 f100 base model. The vin states it originally had a 360 three in the tree but the past owner must have swapped in a 300 inline six four on the floor. If I am wanting to beef up the engine a bit what engine would be easiest/best to swap in? I've never done much with an engine before so it would take a lot of learning. Thanks!

 

Hello and welcome to FTE!

There are a ton of options to mount in there. It all depends on your goals for your new ride. Picture what you and your abilities want at the end. Check out some of the previous threads on other guy's builds. You can come up with a ton of ideas. Good guys here and good builds.

 

Thanks for your reply, I should have been more specific before. I am wondering what swap would be easiest with a v8 engine, that still allows me to build on the horse power over the years. I am young and know very little about engines and would like the easiest learning experience imaginable! Any help is greatly appreciated

 

Well, the easiest would be what donor truck you can find a v8 in. If a local wrecking yard has the whole set up still in it that would be the way to go. My truck has a 460 in it PO stuck in it. Easiest say like a 390. Torque monster. This way you can get the engine and everything around it. From radiator to driveshaft.

 

Welcome to FTE

VIN does not contain the TRANS code, it's listed separately on the Warranty Plate.

If you decoded the VIN that is stamped on the Warranty Plate (located on left door face below latch), compare it with the VIN on the registration/title to see if it matches.

People replaced damaged left doors with used doors. 99.9% of the time, they failed to install the original Warranty Plates on the replaced doors.

4th digit of VIN is the engine code. 1968/72 F100/350: A = 240 I-6 / B = 300 I-6 / G = 302 2V (1969/72 F100 only) / H = 390 2V / Y = 360 2V

TRANS code stamped on Warranty Plate: A = New Process 435 4 Speed / B = Warner T-85N 3 Speed with Overdrive / C = Ford type 3.03 3 Speed Manual all Syncromesh / F = Warner T-18 4 Speed / G = A/T.

 

Looking forward to see which engine you decide on I have a 80 F100 with a 302. I would love to have a inline 6 heard those were tough motors. Good look there are a lot of knowledgable people here who im sure will point you in the right direction.

 

One of the things i would consider would be tranny upgrades. A engine with a small block bolt pattern would be a good start. Because of the tranny options and easy to find. Many different tranny options up to 6speed for a fee$$. 300 6cyl and 302 and 351 windsor and 351 cleveland all run small block bolt pattern. Lots of tranny options and all these engine make good power. Easy to find spare truck for parts with a 302 injected application. reliable and parts are easy to come up with. Been working a 1970 crew 4wd and lots of upgrades but not cheap and not easy. fuel mileage is gained by tranny with 5speed or 6speed. keep the rpms low!! skinny tires also. just my thoughts.