Can anyone provide me with information on installing a 429 into a 1965 F-100?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

 

Hi Harold, welcome aboard!

Swapping in the motor woudl be a breeze (isn't everything...) Best bet is to locate a mid-late 70's donor truck in the salvage yard that already has the 429 or 460 in it. Pull the engine mounting perches and trans crossmember (you will need a trans to go with the specific motor) and put them in your truck. WA-LA

Of course someone else may chime in that has done this already and has a few finer details, but that's the quick version.
--Mike G

 

I have a 429 in a '61 unibody, its also now a 4x4. From what I remember, you'll be better off with a rear sump oil pan for axle clearance (probably not as critical for 2 wheel drive). Also, I used a C6 tranny, it barely fit in the tranny tunnel right behind the fire wall. Ended up with a body lift although it wasn't entirely necessary.
For motor mounts, I used the pillars from a '73 F-250 welded to the frame, but because of the motor weight and off-road abuse, the frame twisted downward and I had to put in an additional cross member under the oil pan. It all works good though and has been in the truck for 13 years now.

'61 Ford short bed 4x4, 429, C6, NP205, Klune Underdrive, lockers front and rear, Dana 60 axles, onboard air, dual batteries, power steering, power brakes, MSD, Dual gas tanks, loose nut behind the wheel.

 

Harold, Welome to FTE for starters. . . .

THis engine retro is popular & old hat too.

Since 65 thru 79 are virtually the same chassis you will not have any of the problems folks who install these great engines in 64 & earlier FoMoCo trux have. 460s came in 74 - 79 F series, so the engine is a virtual bolt in installation. As Mike said these trux are a great source of parts if you can find one to strip. AND if it has a C6 get the VR Rod & guide bracket. The truck TVR & Guide amke a world of diffefrnce in tranny operation.

#385 series engines 370 to 460 are basically the same external engine. so what fits one fits the other, atleast between 429 & 460 and between the years of 69 & 79.

He 385 engines have same bellhousing bolt pattern as 351M/ 400 Ford engines, so your options for transmissions can be foind behind 351M/ 400, 377 385 429 and 460. Avoid the C6 from an Mark III or any Lincoln as it is soft shift so Granma won't spill her Tea. . . .

Mike is right about engine mounts, the frame stands, brackets and insulators from any F Series between 1974 & 1979 will work.
If you can't find a set, L&L Products makes a decent set which some say are just as good as OEM system.

You will need to get a F Series truck R/H (paSSenger side) exhaust manifold, oor else go for headers as the Passenger car 429-460 will interfere with the R/H frame rail.

Before you install your 385, add a second drain plug in the rear of the front sump sow belly. I make a "bung" out of 1/4 or 5/16 plate, bore & tap it to fit the drain plug I want to use, and MIG it to the inside of the Oil Pan. If you do not either do this, or try to locate, or purchase a new oil pan, when you go tochange your oil the existing P-Car Drain Plug is on top of the front chassis Cross Member, and a "Messy Motha B***h" to deal with.

Sometimes folks strip the original Oil Pan by cross threading the plug trying to re-install it. My Advice is what I said above. Take care of it before you set your engine in there.

I do not have a clue about your expertise or skill levels so I only covered some major issues on dropping a 385 in your "Slick". If you have any specific questions, you can e-Mail me via FTE Site, or try posting it here and I may run across it.

One word of caution, if you have a small Dana Rear instead of a 9" FoMoCo, get a 9" preferably 31 spline 3.00:1 to 3.25:1 ratio.


I also suggest you search the Archives here at FTE because ther are volumes and volumes on this relatively easy and great swap. Good luck & keep in touch. I have done perhaps a dozen of these or more. Ask & I'll help you if I can.

FBp