Hi,
I'm helping a friend with his new project. He just picked up a 1960 f100 w/223 ci engine and a 3 sp on the column. We have a fresh rebuilt 64 289 and was wanting to know before we start if the manual trans will bolt up to the bellhousing on the 289 or will we have to change the tranny also. The 289 has a automatic now and I know we'll have to get the bellhousing and clutch. Just wanted to know about the tranny bolting up.
Thanks in advance.

 

First off welcome to FTE. Sorry no the tranny will not bolt up. If it were up to me I'd put the C4 in with the 289. But why are you swapping it. Is the 223 dead. You may end up being disappointed when you try to make that 289 move a 4000lb truck. Don't get me wrong it will do the job it just won't be like the Mustang it came out of and it will always be working hard.

 

Thanks for the quick response.
We just got the 223 running yesterday. It seems to be in pretty good shape except the clutch needs to be replaced. It runs well and doesn't smoke or knock. As for the 289, we had it rebuilt to put in a 54 f100 that we've been working on, but my friend got the 60 and it's in 100% better condition than the 54. I really don't think he's decided yet which way to go. Personally I'd stick with the 223, but it's not my truck.
I'll let him know about the trans. That may help him decide.
The 289 and trans came out of a 64 custom 500 car.

Thanks again
GaryB
Taylor, AR

Our other project is a 1993 ranger pu with a 460/C6. What were we thinking??

 

you are probably stuck with the tranny that is with the 289 as you probably have a 5 bolt bellhousing on the 289. the early 289's had the 5 bolt bellhousing, they went to the 6 bolt in 65. So check the bellhousing as the 5 bolt stuff is pretty hard to find as far as manual bellhousings.

although the 289 is no powerhouse, it still has more hp and torque than the 223 ever had and will move that truck along quite nicely. You won't win any drag races but the 289 powered a lot of big cars in the 60's.

good luck with whichever way you decide to go.

rgds
Mike

 

I have a 289 4 speed toploader in my '60. It's built up good and with a 4.30 rear has no problems with keeping up with traffic. Finding 100 octane gas is another thing though.