This happened: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1457733-bought-a-74-f250-30-minutes-drive-from-previous-owner-engine-blew-up.html#post16647394

I paid for and picked up the truck yesterday. 30 minutes down the road it spit a rod through the engine block. After many beers (actually 2 hours on the side of the freeway waiting for a tow, 2 more hours in an auto shop, renting a car and 2 further hours drive home), and man tears I have decided that I want to replace the engine and get this truck on the road. Obviously this is an extra expense I had not at all planned for so what options should I consider? Cheapest? Better long term option etc?

 

i'd get another FE as it would be bolt in, a 360 or a 390 would be the best bet you could always build it into a 445 stroker if your wallet would let you.

 

in terms of cheapest a used 360FE would be your best bet or any cheap FE in good shape would be bolt in

 

Too bad you're so far from me. I have a 360 with all the parts ready to assemble. It's a 501 "mirror" block just returned from the machine shop. They tell me that the bore is stock and needs only honing and the crank only needed polishing.
I've been looking for a roller in my area (Georgia) to buy and install this in. Would be happy to change the plan for a fellow FTE member in need.

 

My machinist has a fully rebuilt 390 ready to bolt in at his shop here in West Texas.

 

It sounds like you want it fixed promptly. Good suggestions above to find a running healthy FE engine or one ready to assemble.

A remanufactured engine is another alternative. I would check with Jasper as I believe their quality is decent. The parts store reman engines seem to have a lot of issues.

 

My budget has to be under $2k for parts and labor and even thats stretching it.

 

If the truck were here close by then we could meet that budget for you pretty easily.

 

Find a running 390 and swap it in. If a salvage yard can't help you, keep an eye on Craigslist. A lot of times you can buy a running vehicle and sell or part what you don't need after you take the motor.

 

I got a call from the auto shop this morning as apparently they are struggling to find an engine. Someone plugged up the EGR ports on the current engine and they can't find a used egr engine.

Now they are looking at finding a rebuilt engine.

This is sounding costly.

 

No such thing as an EGR engine. The EGR valve (introduced in 1974-if present) bolts to the EGR/Carb spacer plate located between the carb and intake manifold.

If there's no EGR valve, there's just a carb spacer plate.

If the truck has T/E = Thermactor Emission (smog pump), there's a right and left T/E manifold with nuts/ferrules with 4 holes per side that thread into the heads.

All the T/E parts can be removed if your state doesn't require a smog test. Ford sold plugs to plug off the T/E holes in the heads.

Be aware that the 1968/76 F100/350 360 & 390 engine blocks are the same, as is the bore (4.05"). The only difference is the stroke.

Stroke: 360 = 3.50" / 390 = 3.78."

Here's a pic of the EGR valve and etc parts.

 

Thanks for responding. I think I might be better trying to source an engine myself.

 

Consider a shortblock Carolina Machine Engines (CME) outta.... North Carolina.

Rebuilt Engines and Rebuilt Motors from CME

Long block 390 for $1600 or a shortblock for $900. .... plus a core charge.

Dunno about shipping... call 'em.

.

 

The Website has the address listed as PO Box out of South Carolina......

 

Doh. Thanks.