Ok guy I wanted to start a thread on rebuilding a ford engine for my Dodge. I am replacing the Poly 318 aka 318a engine for a 300 6 and switching the Dodge NP435 for a Ford NP435. The reason why is I don’t like V8s at all and the 225 slant 6 is just way under powered for a 1 ton for everyday driving. I chose the 300 over the 292 as I could find it more readily and got a it on trade and some gas and time .I am gonna focus on the ford parts mostly as I wasn’t sure could post anything else about my build here. I will if it’s permitted. So I have been researching a ton on it and read Abandoned Broncos thread all the way through and reread parts multiple times. I have the engine tire down for rebuild it had bent push rods and a half of the original exhaust manifold and half EFI manifold what a hack job 😂. The block,crank and head all looked good visually and no over bore from what I could tell all original. 1975-80 crank and head. I didn’t check the block numbers. I have the same fine tooth timing gears his did stock and all steel. I have owed 300s before and loved them so hence the swap. I started to hand port the head I have ported a cast iron Koehler engine so have some experience porting. I am doing very minimal because of the thin walls I did remove the exhaust lump aka thermector in one cylinder so far I just removed it and blended it didn’t get too crazy digging into it. I couldn’t see any porting pics here or online to have a better reference other than around the valves and guides so just gonna remove the lumps in the exhaust and blend the sharp edges nothing too crazy. I am going to mirror most of what he did with his Bronco other than the EFI/ TBI I have a Edlebrock 500cfm AVS manual choke carb I will be using. I would like to use the larger valves from SI 351w forges pistons the .910 rods and the rockers that are for a 300 and the hardened push rods as well as a cam for towing and street driving. I will be sending the block head and crank to the machine shop to be cleaned an machined and have the head set up for the larger 300 valves I want to try to use what I can that’s made for the engine to try to avoid some of what He went through. Are porting pictures not Allowed? I wanted to ask before posting any build pics

 

Welcome to FTE
I don't see why you cant post any pictures even1 or 2 of the truck as I would like to see what this is going into.
Dave ----

 

 

I am also swapping out the axles as well I bought a frame that was advertised as a 1 ton but after finally cutting into pieces to get home I found out it has the GM 10 bolt 3/4 ton front but got a a full float 14 bolt rear. So I’m not sure if I’m gonna swap in the 10 bolt or sell or trade it towards a GM Dana 60 front. I have to see what I can find at a good price when I get that far into the build.

 

Good looking truck, what part of the service was it with? The color I think would be air port or forest.

There are a lot of leaves with that motor having a cap on the bed.
You said you have the motor apart so guess it was ok, no rust on the inside.
Dave ----

 

It wasn’t rusty as far as valve head area inside the cylinders either but it sure is crusty and has sat many years but no pitting rust. It will need to be hot tanked. As for the axles the closed knuckle Dodge D60 is supposedly not any stronger than a D44/ GM 10 bolt. I am swapping them out because of the bolt pattern for the wheels and you can not get new drums for the front end They don’t make them anymore. As well as you are limited on gearing choices and or lockers. I believe Air Force then a fire department 9000 original miles.

 

I figured the gear was really low on that truck.
When parts are not made anymore you got to do what you got to do LOL
I take it the truck does not have PS you going to swap that over as well?
Dave ----

 

That box will need rebuilt in the pic it has a crack on that aluminum dish on the bottom. I am definitely doing power steering I own a Bobbed M35a2 with 48” tire with no power steering so ya definitely time for some power steering after 8+ years of not having any I am selling my Bobber to fund this project and to fix my house. I put a lot of money and blood sweat and tears in it but I need something more usable on my 5 acres.

 

Here’s the porting I started on the exhaust side addressing those first. I got the lump out and just have to smooth out the rest and a pic of one untouched with the lump. I left it sooty so I can see what I’ve done kind of like a guide.

With lump


Without lump

 

I took some pics of the other parts one bent push rod the hacked up exhaust manifold the flywheel has Broken teeth needs replaced the block crank cam and timing gears cam is definitely worn out. I am planning on using the HD truck manifold I had headers before on a 300 I hated them. I just have to locate a good price on a new or used one. I also need to locate a new or used offenhauser 4 barrel intake. I thought about a turbocharger but wasn’t sure that would be practical for a Daily Driver/work farm truck.

 

What color are you going to paint the truck? I've been eyeing these guys for awhile WWW.STEVENSPARTS.COM Here's a link to their exhaust manifolds. FORD EXHAUST MANIFOLDS I've never talked to them about inventory or pricing, but I plan on it when my CHEAP replacement stock manifold explodes as it surely will. Want one of the hd manifolds I think.

 

I have been toying with the idea of primering it and maybe doing this metallic OD green wrap. https://vvividshop.com/products/2019...CABEgIgP_D_BwE

 

I think the name of that color may be an oxymoron, partial to Olive drab myself lol how are you going to use the truck? Work it to death it show it off?

 

It will be working a DD and I ll be taking it to MVPA events and charity events loving doing those have done ones for veterans and did toys for tots too so it will have a lot of duties lol.

 

Ok guys been working on porting head today focusing on the exhaust lumps and smoothing the ridges around the valve then I’ll use some emery clothe on it. My question is on the intake ports have not touched them yet the valve guide castings stick way up more than the exhaust side how much of that guide can I safely cut off?