That about tells the tale. I've got a chance to get a pretty clean econoline pickup that has no engine or transmission. I'd like to put something other than stock, just to say I did it. Also would like to have an O.D. automatic transmission. Any ideas? Personal experience? Will a 302/auto fit?

 

302 auto will fit with some work. only thing that is a bolt in is small six with an econo trans. email me and i can explain further.

jim

 

They were only made for 6 cyl. In 65 they increased the motors to 240 and 300 6 cyl late 65 fpr the 66 models. They did not make a v8 for the early econolines til 68 I believe.
You can put in a v8, but it requires work on the floor and the doghouse. These need to be cut and modified. Also the engine mounts need to br changed. The trans I'm not sure about an overdrive being put in. The drive shaft is quite short and any other trans would leave you with no drive drive shaft, at the most. I will admit I have not attempted any of this, but have met and talked to a few that did. I also have a van body that somene had put a v8 in and cut out a section of the floor and did lots of holes in the frame to try and mount the tranny in. What they did was weaken the frame that twisted on the van.
Others may share more light for you here.
Have fun with what ever you chose to do.