been sitting on a 2009 f150 4.6L long bed that i had plan on fixing but the frames to far gone and truck only got 8k miles on it. so i want to put the motor and trans and harness in my f100. truck just about done probably 70% of it and want to start on the drivetrain figured if i get it up and running in the f100 would motivate me to finish it up.
already starting gutting the dash to get to the wiring harness in both trucks and motors pulled out the f100 not f150.

this is my first motor swap and any advice would help...like I'm not 100% sure how go about it, do you have to square it up to the vehicle or does the motor have to sit at angle or degree.

Only thing i can think of is to do a test fit with the motor/trans... center it up between the firewall and radiator support, level it out, and mock up some engine supports. I know it can't be that simple, feel like i missing a step or something. any input is appreciated.

 

is it just me or does it seem like this forum sucks... does not seem like anyone gets on anymore or maybe people never really did get on here I use to get on layitlow and man it always seems like people had something to say not on here. so what give?????????? GUESS NO ONE LIKES FORDS ANYMORE, CAUSE HOW THE SAY GO.
F..FIX
O.. OR
R.. REPAIR
D..DAILY

 

With posts like that, yeah, I guess it does. Granted, this free forum where people freely donate their time so you can get advice for free sometimes doesn't have much traffic, at least of people who have answers to your particular question. So you know what? Ask for your money back, because you aren't getting what you paid for. Oh wait, you didn't pay anything, so I guess you did get your money's worth.

As far as your original question goes, I have no personal experience, so take this for what little it's worth, but it sounds like a nightmare project to me. You'll need to get a computer and wiring harness to run the '09 engine. The one from the '09 truck obviously will work, but then you need to get it to talk to the rest of the '83 truck. From what I've heard, you'll need to use the dash from the '09, and trying to get it into the '83 without looking like crap seems like a huge project.

If you do all of that you end up with an old truck with a small V8 that I've never heard anything very good about. Decent power at high rpm, and decent mileage, but no torque down low and generally not a lot of fun. But I've never driven a 4.6L (I do know that the 5.4L in my '08 F-250 was the worst engine I've ever owned as far as driving enjoyment goes).

 

Sounds like an awesome project.
The '83 is likely 1000lbs lighter than the 2009 at minimum so that will help your cause.
People bag on the 4.6 for being gutless, but I had a 302 Bronco and a
4.6 f150 at the same time and the 4.6 had twice the get-up-and-go of the 302.
I can't say for sure on engine angle, but I believe it 4-6 degrees up at the front of the engine.

 

Also, forum traffic is for sure down. Try posting this in the 80-86 sub-forum as it has higher traffic. You will for sure get people that hate on it, but whatever, it's not their truck and it's a cool swap.

 

If your in LAF I'd be willing to assist you. I've never done this swap but I have done others and 2 heads are always better than one. Just let me know when you want to work on it.

Jason
337-322-5097

 

Any updates???