My 77 F150 has a 400 that is suppose to be the original motor and going off the vin I believe it is. The motor runs good just not much power like your average 400. I recently came across a good deal on a 2002 supercharged ford lightining motor and tranny package for $3k. According to the number it's going to take about $4000-$5000 to rebuild the 400 and make it where it will have some power. So my question is what's your guys opinions on keeping the original motor vs swap? I was told there isn't a vin or matching numbers on these trucks like Chevys so there is no way to tell if my motor is the original is this true?

 

Have at it! These rigs are affordable but not really collectible as of yet. Be prepared for quite a bit of fabrication and electrical work.

With very few exceptions (like K-code Mustangs), the term "numbers matching" does not apply to Fords. The closest to original you can restore is "period correct" or "correct" as far as part/casting numbers for parts that would have been on the vehicle.

Parts that are stamped or cast with a month/day or month/day/shift like sheet metal must be within about 30 days of the production date of the vehicle (also referred to as the "build date" or "buck date") in order to be "correct".

 

I would venture a good guess that the 400 is your original motor there. As far as number matching and whatnot never been much of my interest with doing motor swaps and builds on these trucks. You would definitely have to reinvent the wheel a bit to make the ford lightning swap work. i would imagine there would probly be some fab and headaches involved. with that new tranny you would have to get a driveline fabbed. If you arent interested in dealing with swapping the tranny and you want EFI and more power on a budget you could always get ahold of a running 88-97 460 and drop it in. from what ive read the 460s bolt up to the 400m trannies. you would still have to figure out motor mounts, wiring, and engine compartment setup but you wouldnt have to get a new tranny or driveline and its cheaper than getting a fresh motor. a 460 would definitely move that half ton chasis.

 

Cheap, easy, fast. Pick any two.


I am not all that enamored about retrofitting newer engines into old trucks. I can see you spending a lot more than the $3K the Lightning engine and transmission initially cost to have a running truck again.


Robert

 

Well I personally love retro mod builds, I'm in the middle of one myself. And even before I ended up having to build a whole new frame it was still a lot of fab work. But these kinds of builds are becoming more common, especially the Ford Mod motors, so if you find yourself in a rut I'm sure you'd be able to find someone that can help.

That being said it won't be the cheapest route to take. So just be prepared.