I have a 78 f150 ranger XLT with 460, c6, and 9" rear. I bought the truck a couple years ago because of the look and moreso because of the 385 series. I used for my sole vehicle and work truck until it decided to eat sparkplugs. This was after changing a good few parts and fighting with multiple electrical problems. So i had already pretty much decided to rebuild the engine better than stock when I got the truck, and now it was time to rebuild, and I did. It's now a professionally built forged 552ci with 8.5 compression, aluminum worked over reinforced heads, a stealth intake, Holly super sniper EFI system with a built tranny to go with it. I also have two large turbos waiting to be installed. The motor runs like a scaulded dog even at low compression. I love the truck but it's like 6000 pounds and can't keep a straight line for anything.

So the decision has been made and the 552 is going into an rx7 fc I found that has already had the rotary replaced with a 4.3 gm v6.

Now the questions

So do i find a cheap 460 and do a mild rebuild specifically for the ole girl who still has potential as a thirsty but sturdy work truck?

Do I cut her loose to someone else who thinks this body style is the best ford made?

And lastly; what is she worth as a roller with a brand new complete rewire from painless? Little rust on the hood, one of the rad supports, little bit in the bed towards the cab. Everything else is solid. Seat isn't even torn. Chrome is a little beat up in spots, missing in others.

Thanks

 

Unless you get lucky and find someone with an engine needing a home and wants just a roller, I would think you would be way ahead if you could find a reasonable 460 in decent shape and sell the truck running and driving...just depends on how much time you have I guess.

 

Yeah, I like that option too. I don't know how feasible it is. Kinda like the keeping it for work idea. I've got another work vehicle at this point, and a cheap donor would probably come in the form of a whole nother large vehicle in my yard. It wouldn't have to be there very long though... decisions decisions. I think putting a freshly built 460 without retarded timing in her would definitely sell the truck on its own. Talking about $2+3000 with a good tranny to go with it. What would an enthusiast pay for a 78 2wd lwb ranger XLT w/ little rust but absolutely fresh drivetrain and engine I wonder? Not worried about profiting so much as breaking sorta close to even. Wouldn't wanna give some some clunker either. A roller you know what you're getting...thanks.

 

Let's see it. A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

 

 

Accidentally made a duplicate post. Oops.


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Someone may buy it as a roller for $1500 but in these times, you'd be lucky to get $800. That's just my opinion in my neck of the woods where there are many of these style trucks still running strong. Your area may differ and maybe someone who knows what it's worth on here would give you closer to top dollar for it...

Honestly, I'd build the truck to be able to pull the RX7 to the drag strip.

I know, 2 projects at once...it'll be hard but you can do it.