all this talk about engine swaps for better fuel economy if your going to swap,and yet no mention of the diesel again.
you guys are getting slack.

problem with the diesel swap though,is you'd need a trans as well as heavier springs up front.
still,if your going to engine swap.go diesel or don't do it i say,as that for sure would be worthwhile.
not many other options.forget that old 460 pig.fuel cost too much to drive one of those since um........like 50 yrs ago haha,certainly today their out of the question.you can't get 10 mpg avg with a standard pickup bed srw truck anymore.you'll go broke.......or have nothing else in life anyway.like a house or food,one or the other would have to go lol.

check out what a diesel swap could get ya with a stock pickup setup halfduck:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ts-20-mpg.html

them high numbers im sure are running empty etc.but still.you get the idea.

 

Well in that case just track down a new long block. There are still fairly low mileage take outs that can be found. There are also plenty of supply houses that will sell you a reconditioned engine. Look into PAW. I haven't looked at their catalog for a few years but they used to have "you assemble" long blocks at very good prices. With a couple of buddies and the right tools you can swap them out in a weekend and still have time to pop a top and watch the game.
I still drive my 460 everyday. And it's a 4x4 on 35s none the less. Running regular summer gas on my 20 mile daily commute I pull down around 12 MPG. I don't think that's too bad especially considering I have a lead foot. Now the bottom will drop out of my mileage on winter gas or that 10% ethanol crap (I've seen it as low as 6 unloaded running in 4wheel on winter ice) but I shouldn't have to deal with North Dakota winters or their crappy gas for too much longer. I could get a smaller vehicle for daily driving but I choose to drive a big block. Just like I choose to be an all American, beer driving, *** scratching, Man that still believes his word is his bond and there is no replacement for displacement.

As for a diesel I tell everybody that will listen not to get on that bandwagon. Yes, an oil burner does have its place but most of the time they are not appropriate. Not to dig up a gasser vs diesel debate (because hasn't that dead horse been beaten enough?) but in this case the cost of entry would be way too high.

 

FYI, I just checked PAWs website and it looks like they have gotten out of the general performance parts and engine machining business. They only specialize in early Hemi parts now. I'm pretty upset about this as they had some of the best deals when it came to Ford engines.

 

how long do you want to keep the truck? if you want to keep the truck for a long time and your pockets allow, i'd put a 4bt in it no questions asked.

 

My 84 F250 (RC LB) 4x4 6.9L IDI truck gets the best fuel mileage of all my trucks, actually it's almost a draw between that and my 96 F150 4x4 300 six. Around town I average around 15 mpg if I drive somewhat conservatively... on the highway if I really watch my speed I have come really close to 20 mpg. If that doesn't sound impressive, take this into concideration; C6 trans, 4.10s, 235/85R16 tires, big bumpers, heavy flatbed, and a curb weight of 6200 lbs... not bad for a 3/4 ton 4x4. When towing it drops anywhere from 13 to 10 mpg depending on what I'm pulling. Other than the outragious cost of diesel fuel, I have absolutely no complaints. My 96 F150 300 six (RC LB) 4x4 which happens to be my main driver gets probably 12 or 13 mpg in town. I have also come pretty close to 20 mpg on the highway, it usually gets around 16-17... not too bad. This truck isn't exactly set up for economy either; ZF 5 speed, 3.55s, 2.5" lift, 32x11.50R15 BFG ATs, set up for moderate off road use.
If it was me I would try to get the 351 running as good as possible (or rebuild/replace it) I would go to a slightly taller (but skinnier) tire and run higher air pressure. Go to a better flowing intake and exhaust system, hotter coil, good tuneup. What transmission do you have, what is the axle gearing? The 351w is a great engine, tough as nails, decent power... but it's a small block gasser and they love fuel. I haven't seen one get much better than 13 mpg in a 4x4 truck.
John

 

Stay with a 351. You'll thank yourself when you're doing the work.

 

The 5.8 is capable of much better milage and power with a few inexpensive upgrades but you must have an accurate odometer or you're just taking a wild guess at fuel consumption so get that calibrated ASAP. A reman 351 will be the easiest and most cost effective swap, add to the basic engine an upgraded cam and drop the complete exhaust in favor of longtube headers and a 2.5" single and you'll have at the very least respectable power and fuel milage... depending upon the overal final drive ratio of course. Just how much bigger than stock are the tires and what gearing and transmission does the truck have?

 

my vote goes with a 6.9 or 7.3 IDI. I thought for sure IDIDieselJohn would suggest this. decent power and good mileage.

 

Only time I'd recommend these engines is if I read in the original post that the person is looking for reliability and good fuel economy.


I have a feeling someone that was use to a 351 or any good size gas engine would be pretty disappointed driving one of these IDI's being how slow they are.

I sure have noticed in this forum alot care more about power and speed rather than longevity, reliability and cheap maintenance.


And plus, with the diesel, he'd have to find another tranny and everything for it.

 

HUH? SLOW WHA...? My rust box 95 F350 7.3T loaded with tools, compressor, and welder, did I say rust. ?. Would out pull, push, and accelerate my 95 F250 empty with its 351. Thats with the 351 tuned up (money pit). Oil and air filters on that 7.3 and one oil pan is all the 7.3 EVER asked for. Just wish the truck around it would have held up.... 7.3 has moved on as of last week. Still wrenching on the 351... Only departed as it was a full rust box nose to tail. I will always miss that truck. We had a long run working together near 12 years....

ON topic..... How I have and ran both set ups they cost me the same at the pumps. 3.60 Gas /4+ fuel No savings I can see to do the swap and get it back in MPG savings. Only longevity out of the 7.3 would be gained IMO. Too bad its still bolted into other parts and you can just put a seat and tires on her...

 

get a cummins!! or a bike if you want to save on fuel lol

 

if i did a swap I would most likely do a 302 swap mostly because the 302 is still made for other vehicles and parts for the 302 are a dime-a-dozen but thats just me oh and for a truck like mine it has the power to get up and go (ok so its nit as fast as a rice burner car but its a truck were talking about and for a truck its good)

 

....you have a PowerStroke.... I was talking about the old non turbo IDI's. 180HP and 370ft. Torque.


Heres my favorite quote though!

Ah what the hell, I don't care about power, I'll keep my 2 old slow IDI's, at least they hardly cost me anything in maintenance and they'll work an pull what ever will hook up to 'em, sure I'll be in the slow lane, but who cares, pass me and quit honkin

 

I'm with ya, I love my IDI... I'd have another one in a heartbeat. You just can't beat em simple, cheap, tough, and reliable... hold it right to the boards all day long pulling and can't hurt it! They might be slow but they won't let you down. Someone mentioned 302, no way... I'd have a 300 six over a 302 in a truck any day!

 

yea the 302 has no place in a truck.