My current project '95 F250HD, 5.8, E40D has a knocking wrist pin and 265,000 miles so I've been hunting a replacement. I've come across an '89 with 58,000 and C-6 out of an F350 for $50. I know the front of the engine will have to be changed for the serpentine belts, but I want to know if the computer and related electronics will plug into the '89 engine. Any other pitfalls? The '89 was a plant truck for a large chemical plant in Baton Rouge where the body disintegrated on the frame.

TIA,

Phillip

 

It will work fine, but the 89 motor isn't a roller cam and you'll notice it doesn't have as much power. If it were my truck, I'd probably try to find a roller block.

 

This is the first time I've gotten back into engines in the last 15 years. I've built my fair share of 289's, 302's, 351's, and my favorite, the FE's. About 1990 I lost interest in wrenching unless absolutely necessary so please bear with the newbie questions starting with, when did the 351W become a roller cam engine?

 

I don't know what year they started, buy my old '95 was a roller cam model.

Personally, I would rather overhaul the old 5.8. Get a piston, ring, gasket and seal kit, and have at it. Getting the cylinders machined wouldn't cost much, parts and machine shop time should be under $300, and you would have an engine which you know would give you several more years of dependable service. You might end up having to replace your $50 used 5.8 in a few more months.

 

The '89 motor will work just fine in the '95 truck. As Andy said it will be noticably weaker than the newer motor, but that's easily fixed, just drop in either the Crane 444232 or Comp 35-255-5 flat tappet cam kit before installing the motor.