I've been toying around with taking 3/4-ton F250 SuperCab (auto. trans.) 4x4 with a 460cid 4bbl. big block V8 and devolving it for non-electronic ignition control (EMP proof) and non-emission gear choking bug-out rig. Now I'm leaning on the 80-86 models like my 85 F150 for ease of body parts finding versus the 73-79 models, but I hate all the smog pump emissions crap that was tacked onto the 80's models. My F150 with the 1bbl. 300cid I6 had all that stripped except the catalytic converter.

What I am wondering:
Do I take an F250 with its stock 460cid V8 and do Summit Racing parts swap to make into points ignition with an agressive Holley Avenger carb?

OR

Do I attempt a donner big block engine swap from a Ford truck such an old 72 or before grain hauler truck which there are a few to nab around here?

 

Older engine is going to have more power, though you might have to run better fuel in it. I believe for a bug out truck I would pick a diesel. No ignition. And when the going gets tough and there are lines at the gas station, you can run used oils of many types, kerosene, just about anything you can get your hands on, to run the engine as long as it's filtered

You can also stockpile the oils and diesel fuels without them going bad like gasoline does.

 

New dizzy and carb, salvage some D0VE-C heads. That should be it for a non-smog, non electronic build on a 460. Easy enough. Go ahead and redo all the seals and gaskets for GP.