Ok guys, so I was pondering on what to do with my 78, and got to thinking, I need a new almost everything, far as fuel system, and engine goes, so I'll post what I have and we'll build from there.
-i have a NP435 tranny with a NP205 X-case and pretty fresh axels, along with 1 ton rear springs, truck had a 400 in it, and I have the 400 bellhousing, along with a small block bellhousing.

Now here are my ideas:
-build the 400 up pretty nicely and just run it stock-ish
-swap in a 351W EFI (there are TONS of 92-96 trucks I can rob parts from in the bone yards)
-OORR take this project out on a limb and put a 4.6 in it.
Any way I go I want to keep the 435...

Ideas, votes? Whatever?
Thanks guys.

 

I would build the 400. already have everything for it, and with a mild rebuild your be suprised on the power

 

I thought about that, but that's kinda ho-hum, around here every car show, or "beefed up" truck or car has a bored, camed, motor with a 4bbl on top, blah its the same thing under every hood. Just bores me sometimes, no one wants to run EFI in their stuff around here.
I want something different, maybe even a diesel... But the 5.8 is got me thinking...
I still want to hear some more thoughts!

 

Cummings swap is popular but $$ in getting a good eng and the adapter plates.

EFI only if you can get all the electrical and fuel tank components, otherwise a nightmare to get wired and working correctly, all because its a pressurized sys.

Do the 400 and a supercharger?

 

EFI? I'd consider the FAST EFI or Retrotek systems... purtty much plug and play and all the welding required is an O2 bung.

Daring to be different? Cummins swap, Powerstroke swap, or STS Turbo.. dual turbos.

 

Well in my theory here is take some of my knowledge that I already have of the early ford EFI systems, just buy a wrecked 87-96 EFI truck, swap everything front to rear as far as fuel system, etc into mine. I've never fooled with a carb motor outside of a header instal on a 302 in a 76, and in between my 87 and my 96 I've had I have 90% of the know how of how it all goes together, the rest I have a manual and FTE for.

Plus if I can acomplish this small goal and get it moving under its own power after the cab swap I will feel more than ready to jump in to my mechanics schooling next fall.. And yes trying to be different is my main goal with the efi.