looking for a project....
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: coldlake Alberta
looking for a project....
hi there, i am looking to do my first restoration project and i am really liking an late 60's to late 70's F-100 to F-250 4x4 or 2wd. now my question for the forum is what would you suggest/ im thinking an f100 or 150 2wd with either a 351W/351C, a 390, 400, or 460 or a f250 4x4 with the same engines. but not having actualy owned any of these im not sure where to go and what to do. i want to make it pretty much stock with maby some engine upgrades to increase the power. but what do you guys think? let me know, thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
Personally if I have my mind set on a praticular motor I would buy the best body you can afford, and being in Canada I would definatly go with the best body model.
As far as motors most seem to come with the FE as far as V8's so if you like FE's then try to start with that way.
As far as motors most seem to come with the FE as far as V8's so if you like FE's then try to start with that way.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13,149
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From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
Don't rule out the 300 6 cylinder. It has more torque in stock form than the 302 V-8 does and runs forever. As far as V-8's go, I like the FE's myself. (360, 390, 428) Like was said before, buy the best body you can find. Engines can be swapped out. Personally, I'd stay away from the 400M. It wasn't Ford's best effort. As far as appearance goes, only you know what looks best. For me, nothing beats a '77 grill.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Montgomery, IL
trigger, where are you located? This will help someone local to you in your search. If you add this to your location in your profile then people can narrow it down for you.
I just ran across a guy that has a 1979 Camper Special sitting in his garage. He has had since almost new and never drives it now. It is a little rough. 400 with C6 I believe. I don't think it is the 460 but I could be wrong. I didn't really go over it too much.
As for the engine you should choose, earthquake makes a good point. You can't kill a 300.
I just ran across a guy that has a 1979 Camper Special sitting in his garage. He has had since almost new and never drives it now. It is a little rough. 400 with C6 I believe. I don't think it is the 460 but I could be wrong. I didn't really go over it too much.
As for the engine you should choose, earthquake makes a good point. You can't kill a 300.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Alston, MI
the 400 ain't all bad. sure, has its flaws, but so does every other engine. it just takes a little more tlc to make a neck snapper out of one.
the 351m, on the other hand, mine's had the snot beaten out of it, but i wouldn't want another one. as much abuse as it's been put through, sure it still runs and goes like a champ, but it really lacks the power to get my truck rolling at a fun pace.
the 351m, on the other hand, mine's had the snot beaten out of it, but i wouldn't want another one. as much abuse as it's been put through, sure it still runs and goes like a champ, but it really lacks the power to get my truck rolling at a fun pace.
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Freshman User
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From: coldlake Alberta
well i am located in cold lake alberta. its really hard to find running or close to it trucks out this way that arnt half taken over by rust. thats my problem i am wanting something that runs now and may not look all to pretty but with a solid body to start with and i dont have $3000 or more to spend on one at least not right now. as for an engine ill never do a 351M the only thiong that engine is good for is a boat ancher. i think id want to do a 351W swap or go with the 390FE or the 460. basicly if anyone knows anyone in the edmonton general area even as for as say north battleford sask. who might be able to help me out with fining a truck please let me know. btw i know in the 69 f-100 the automatics were all set up for a manual tranny you just had to take the plate off your tranny bump and install your lines and pedal and such, how long did they do this for? i do not want an automatic at all but thats whats more common out here so i need to know if its an easy swap or not.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: townsend DE
Don't rule out the 300 6 cylinder. It has more torque in stock form than the 302 V-8 does and runs forever. As far as V-8's go, I like the FE's myself. (360, 390, 428) Like was said before, buy the best body you can find. Engines can be swapped out. Personally, I'd stay away from the 400M. It wasn't Ford's best effort. As far as appearance goes, only you know what looks best. For me, nothing beats a '77 grill.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I killed a 240/6 and a 300/6, 3 on the tree in a 73 F100 2wd with 31's on the back. I was also a 16 year old idiot, now I am just older and maybe a little smarter? nah
Since you are in Canada, I would pick what ever you can still get parts for rather easily or the mail order cost may just kill the project, unless that is no object.
I understand FORD trucks and parts are a little rare up there in the snow and rust belt?
Best of luck with your decision and let us know how it works out for you.
Since you are in Canada, I would pick what ever you can still get parts for rather easily or the mail order cost may just kill the project, unless that is no object.
I understand FORD trucks and parts are a little rare up there in the snow and rust belt?
Best of luck with your decision and let us know how it works out for you.