Engine replacement '79 F100
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Engine replacement '79 F100
I was planning on rebuilding the 351M that is suppose to be in my truck. When i had it busted down all the way, I looked at the block and saw that it was cracked. BUMMER!!! Now I want to put a smaller engine in it. What would be the best size to replace it with? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
Also keep in mind on what 79 F350ts said.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
I was planning on rebuilding the 351M that is suppose to be in my truck. When i had it busted down all the way, I looked at the block and saw that it was cracked. BUMMER!!! Now I want to put a smaller engine in it. What would be the best size to replace it with? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Nonetheless, any smaller engine would requre a different tranny so that'll come into play with whatever engine you decide upon. With that said, the Windsors (260, 289, 302, 351) are provided aftermarket support options. A 302 can be stroked to a 331 or 347 and the 351 can be stroked to a 392 or even a 427. Your call on what your budget allows.
Perhaps a more economical option is the 300-I6. Good torque and decent gas mileage. The intake manifold is a dog and runs lean in cylinders 1 and 6. Aftermarket support isn't all that good BUT it won't involve alot of hassle with matching up parts to the frame like a 351W since it wasn't offered in 73-79s and has a taller deck height than the 302 - important if you want to run headers.
In the end, I'd go 302 (or 331) or the 300-I6... with the latter only for gas mileage reasons.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Southaven,Ms
agreed 302 best all around choice, if your not gonna beat on it too much. And since youll need a matching tranny anyway, an aod would boost mileage even more.
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From: Effort, PA
300 all the way! Stout engine that will run forever and it will out pull a 302 any day. Plus you can pick up everything needed at your local pick and pull yard, I'm sure they have at least 1 f100 with a straight 6 in there...
EDIT: And if you go with the 300, you can put EFI manifolds on it, Offy intake, 4bbl carb and so on for under 1k and have a decently powered workhorse that will get better gas mileage than your 351. Take a look in the 300 forum, lots of info in there.
EDIT: And if you go with the 300, you can put EFI manifolds on it, Offy intake, 4bbl carb and so on for under 1k and have a decently powered workhorse that will get better gas mileage than your 351. Take a look in the 300 forum, lots of info in there.
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I believe I am going with the 302. Engine and transmission will run me a little over $2000. Hopefully I don't run into anymore problems with this truck. Whoever had it before me messed up the wiring pretty bad but that's an easy fix. It will take a while but i will try to post pics when it is complete.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Effort, PA
I believe I am going with the 302. Engine and transmission will run me a little over $2000. Hopefully I don't run into anymore problems with this truck. Whoever had it before me messed up the wiring pretty bad but that's an easy fix. It will take a while but i will try to post pics when it is complete.
Not to mention everything you would need to do the swap.
Hell I have a perfect T-18 or 19 (not sure which but its the cast iron 4spd w/ granny gear) That I'd sell you for $100, she needs a clutch though. I don't know where you're located though so shipping might be high.
JMO but $2k for an engine and trans is too high man, especially if it's a pure stock 302 with miles on it, and the units aren't rebuilt. I have a feeling you're going to spend that money and be a bit disappointed, but hey, it's your truck
