I am looking into buying a Ford F series pickup from 1948-52. I would like to make the truck to be more efficient and more modern with better A/C, radio, etc. I have the time and resources to do this, and I would like to start this project with an engine swap. How easy would it be for me to swap the existing engine and transmission out for a modern (2000 +) f150 engine and transmission? Is it doable? How much money would a project like this require? I am relatively new to this, so any advice would be great!

 

This is a pretty broad question and greatly depends on your skill level and fabrication skill....OR how much money you have.

Personally I plan to do something similar to what you are thinking but I would use a 2003 or later Crown Victoria running gear. The 4.6L engine is the same as the f150 and the suspension would bolt right in(with lots of fab and welding work)

If you want to keep the original running gear you could do that too.

I have not seen an engine mount kit to mount mod motors in these trucks but I believe you can buy a crossmember to mount a windsor engine and then get adapter mounts to adapt from a windsor engine mount to a mod motor mount. Transmission mounts are available that should be easily adaptable.

Take a look around at some of the parts sold by
Chucks Trucks LLC., Ford Truck Parts and Restoration, Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks
and
Home - Mid Fifty F-100 Parts
and
LMC

Do you have a truck in mind? There may be lots of rust which can be a great amount of work to repair... With these old trucks you should always expect something to be terribly wrong that could end up costing you more monies in the end.

 

Thank you for your quick response!
I believe my fabrication skill level is sufficient for this project, and the more work I have to do on it the better (I love fixing things). I am aiming for about a 15,000 dollar project in all, including the cost of the truck, but I am willing to spend up to 20,000. I do not have a truck in mind yet, as I am still researching to see if this project is feasible.

 

I is a relatively straight forward project to install the 5.0 from a new Mustang/F150 in these trucks. Here are two build threads where it has been done.

Mine is finished in a 52 and it runs extremely well. Very reliable and comfortable at 80 MPH while returning 22 MPG.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tor-build.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ld-thread.html