So tonight, while talking with a friend, I was discussing that I would at some point like to swap out my 223 with something with a bit more power. He then informed me that he has a 390 just sitting around. Offering it out to me for $500. I have a 61 unibody. Would this work well? How difficult would this be? What all would be involved? Anyone do a swap with that motor before?

 

You will need to build /buy motor mounts, transmission mount or transmission, if it is from a newer than 1963 otherwise it will probably have the twin I beam suspension . along with the right radiator, and throttle linkage. Everything else will bolt in.

 

This is a common swap, but with a lot of changes as mention in Bruce's post. I recommend searching this forum and see other post / threads. I did this in a 64 f100 and use a 360 & c6 trans. Biggest issues is cutting out the center crossmember behind your 223 motor area. I only reduce this mount , but left majority of it in for frame support. Check with speedway motors for the aftermarket crossmember and trans mount. I also added power steering, so my build was little more detail intense. Anything doable, just do your homework.