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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Considering an engine swap

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Old Dec 12, 2010 | 04:32 PM
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Considering an engine swap

I did a search but it didn't answer all of my questions. I have an '86 with the EFI 302 and an SROD manual trans, 4wd. In the spring I'm going to paint the truck and fix it up a little. The motor has 80k but it leaks oil pretty bad. I'm debating resealing the motor and putting it back, upgrading to a 351, or going to a 460. If I go to a 351 or a 460 I'm not sure if I want to keep it injected or carb it.

I know a 351 will be easier. If I go with a 351 and EFI can I basically plug it back in or will the computer need to be replaced or reflashed?

If I go with a 460 can I keep the SROD? And if not what are my other options for a manual transmission? And with the 460 will my front and rear driveshafts need to be replaced for length?

My cousin has a donor truck it's a 92 or so F-super duty with an injected 460. If I use something like that what's involved in keeping the EFI?

Thanks!
 
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Old Dec 12, 2010 | 04:43 PM
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My cousin has a donor truck it's a 92 or so F-super duty with an injected 460. If I use something like that what's involved in keeping the EFI?
What's wrong with the donor? If you want a 460, I would keep it and build it up. It will have the heavier f250 drivetrain already that can stand up to the 460, the different mounts, the different front crossmember, etc. You could sell your truck to finance the other.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2010 | 08:04 PM
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I love my 460 but it likes to drink. Its not cheap. If you can try the 351fi
 
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
What's wrong with the donor? If you want a 460, I would keep it and build it up. It will have the heavier f250 drivetrain already that can stand up to the 460, the different mounts, the different front crossmember, etc. You could sell your truck to finance the other.
I have a clean 86 Flairside that I have no desire to sell for an old stakebody truck that has a mechanics lien on it. But part out the stakebody and keep the good stuff for me is another story.

As for gas milage, the 302 gets 13 on a good day, I can't see the 460 being much worse it won't be revving as high to keep the beast moving.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 06:10 PM
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On a good day you will get 9 or 10 mpg with the 460. And don't tromp on it, or you will end up breaking something in the f150 driveline.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 07:51 PM
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Ill say, I get bout 8mpg runnin my daily route.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2010 | 08:52 PM
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i get 10 mpg with my 460 no matter how i drive it or pull with it.but i don't do jack rabbit starts.if my wife drives it she gets 11 mpg,and no matter how hard i try i can't get better than 10.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 12:49 PM
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Ok good info. So I'm thinking the SROD isn't going to work with a 460, and the drive shafts are probably going to need to be changed also?

How about a 351w? A little more power than my 302, I could probably keep all of my accessories and it will be a little more bolt in. How about EFI on a 351 or would I have to go carbureted? (not that I mind it)
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 02:00 PM
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I would go with the 351W. You should* (Someone correct me if I am wrong) be able to stay with the FI you would just have to get the 351W computer (I have one for sale if you are intererested). With the 351W you get to keep your same trans and everything dont have to swap crossmembers/new engine mounts, you wont loose much if any fuel economy depending on how you drive and the 351W has plenty of power atleast for all the work I have ever put her through (14K worth of pulling)
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Redneck1465
I would go with the 351W. You should* (Someone correct me if I am wrong) be able to stay with the FI you would just have to get the 351W computer (I have one for sale if you are intererested). With the 351W you get to keep your same trans and everything dont have to swap crossmembers/new engine mounts, you wont loose much if any fuel economy depending on how you drive and the 351W has plenty of power atleast for all the work I have ever put her through (14K worth of pulling)
Humm, what year computer would you need? In 86 the 351 was still carb'ed and later 351's might be a mass air system instead of speed density?
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 06:40 PM
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The intake from the 302 wont fit a 351w, it's wider.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bashby
The intake from the 302 wont fit a 351w, it's wider.
Yea but I would assume I would need to find the whole upper intake along with mass air setup for a 351 as the speed density setup on there isn't too great to begin with. Maybe I should just carb it though?
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 08:42 PM
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Running a carb would be the easiest thing to do. You could feasibly get rid of the computer completely, run a standard carb/DSII setup and you wouldn't need to worry about the computer at all. Plus, the carb/DSII setup would be really easy to maintain as opposed to an EFI/Computer setup that requires all those sensors, etc.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:18 PM
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That truck is not Mass air. I have a 88 F350 with the 351W that is not mass air its speed density. I am pulling the motor and going to carb for my 85 so I don't need the computer upper and lower intakes either. Ford didnt go to mass air in the trucks until like 92 I believe.
 
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Old Dec 14, 2010 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by dyingtolive
Running a carb would be the easiest thing to do. You could feasibly get rid of the computer completely, run a standard carb/DSII setup and you wouldn't need to worry about the computer at all. Plus, the carb/DSII setup would be really easy to maintain as opposed to an EFI/Computer setup that requires all those sensors, etc.
I have to disagree he is already set up for FI why not stay with it? It would be different if he would have to acquire all the wiring harness and sensors and everything but he already has it.
 
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