hi, I have a 1950 international L110 that's very tired. it does run and drive, but the 3 speed "screams" at me when I let off the gas. I've been contemplating my alternatives. I'm not "rich" by any sense of the word, but would like a daily driver out of this. Ill be renting some shop space starting in august, so I'm deciding my route. the truck will need to tow our #3500lb vintage travel trailer. it would be costly to rebuild the current engine. it's a 220. I did pickup a 4 speed (t98) from a 55 IHC, but its still a 3spd with granny. I have already got a ford 8.8 out of a explorer for it. I like the big 6 as I don't have to redo my steering, it looks similar and will have more "**** in it's britches".

I have been doing some reading and it appears I can turn a 240 into a 300 with a crank, rods and pistons. is there a kit somewhere? (I may have located a 240 and 4spd reasonably priced)

I want to lower the truck, give it that "hot rod" look and run twin pipes.

I don't want an automatic.

what (years) engine/trans would YOU look for? how would YOU modify it?

thanks for your input

 

Whatever you decide, take pictures and post here!

I would EFI it and use a newer 87 to 96 block, but those long intake runners turn some people off. If you use a custom EFI computer, you may wish to look into turbo for a neato hotrod, but forged pistons are a problem sourcing...

edit: I'm kinda weird because I wanna EFI everything ;D

 

With that ford 8.8 and the 300 it might just be ok with the 3 spd tranny.
But I think it will still scream at highway speeds and you will want to find something with an OD.
EFI would be nice but a kit is going to set you back over 1500 maybe more. Haven't looked at prices (in a minute) I just know it's a bit of sticker shock. I'd spend it on a tremac tko tranny that has OD before I spent it on EFI honestly.
Or find a zf5 attached to a 300 and get er done.
(this would probably be the cheapest route)

 

I have a friend with the very same truck (split-window) contemplating the very same swap.

Personally for towing I would go with an automatic but if you want a stick get a mid-80s Ford cast iron 3+1 four speed toploader with overdrive and an available factory floor shifter.

It is a lot of work to convert a 240 into a 300. I would just find a carbed 300 to put in.

 

I have done the swap before in my 1953 f250. I actually converted a 1991 300 over to a four barrel carb. I wouldn't worry about what year engine it is. There are plenty of transmission options for it since it has the same bolt pattern as a 302.

 

wow! thanks for the responses! internet is spotty as i'm traveling this weekend.


i know EFI is more effiecent, just doesn't look old school enough


i will have to look into the TKO, ZF5, and toploader. not sure, but would assume i'm looking for one in a truck?


Frenchtown Flyer, i will take your advice on the 240/300 change. I've read a lot of your posts here and elsewhere, so i know you know your stuff.


Mtphammer, what trans did you use? do you tow, or just cruise?


thanks again everybody!

 

The toploader transmission - commonly known as a T & C (Transmission and Chassis Division) toploader - was also in vans. I had a '83 and a '85 Econoline with one in it. It has side shift linkage. Do not mistake one of the aluminum top-rail shifted ODs for one; they are much weaker.

 

so it was a 4spd on the colum?


it would appear I need to do some more research! thanks!

 

Mine were floor shifted.

 

I currently have a M5R2 transmission but once I get up and running and want to tow, I will pick up a four speed like FTF said, but I plan on putting a gear splitter behind it to give me overdrive.