Purchasing a 79?
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Monmouth County, NJ
Purchasing a 79?
Every time I drive through the other side of town, I see this beautiful old 79 F-250 parked. Was just killing time looking at trucks on Craigslist, and I see that truck with an asking price of $1300, which seems reasonable given its condition. Guy says it runs. Only deal-killer is, the owner says it has a 460. This engine is out of the question for me since I'd also be using it as a DD for my 20-50 mile commute (varies daily).
Hypothetically, if the truck turns out to have a Warner trans and 4x4 (it should be, it's a farm truck), and I buy it, how much time and money am I looking at to switch it to a 300 (or other SB)? I mean after the cost of the engine itself and the bellhousing, for all the little **** like wires, exhaust, etc., that I didn't think of at the time.
Yes, I have searched for info and there are threads out there. But all of them are just pissing matches over which engine is better. I like the 300 and that's all there is to say. I don't want to know WHY or WHY NOT to swap it, just HOW.
Any info or experience will be appreciated.
Hypothetically, if the truck turns out to have a Warner trans and 4x4 (it should be, it's a farm truck), and I buy it, how much time and money am I looking at to switch it to a 300 (or other SB)? I mean after the cost of the engine itself and the bellhousing, for all the little **** like wires, exhaust, etc., that I didn't think of at the time.
Yes, I have searched for info and there are threads out there. But all of them are just pissing matches over which engine is better. I like the 300 and that's all there is to say. I don't want to know WHY or WHY NOT to swap it, just HOW.
Any info or experience will be appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,134
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From: Mississippi
I cant help you on that really but I will add that you might be better off looking for an F-100 or 150 with a 300 already in, preferably with a 4 spd, an F-250 even with a 300 isnt going to set any records on mpg, low geared, heavy etc particulary if its a 4x4. By the time you spend all the time, money and effort in swapping engines, is 12-14 mpg going to cut it?
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Monmouth County, NJ
Bama, tend to agree with you. BUT- they don't make these new anymore, and where I live a 10-year-old truck is very old. This one is kinda my only option without shipping something in from far away. Given all that, you think the gas I could save would pay for the swap after a few years?
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 644
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From: Hobart, WA
I agree with bamaF150. Rather than spending the money on an engine swap, why not buy a used compact car to use as a commuter? Then you can take your time working on the truck, and you won't care about gas mileage if it's a hobby vehicle versus having to use it as a daily commuter. Years ago when I had my first '79 F250, I used to say that "the best accessory I ever bought for my truck was a used Honda Civic."
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
Don't get caught up in the cylinder numbers. A 300 six will burn just as much as that 460.
I made it a point to get a 300-6 when I was looking for my truck. I got exactly what a I wanted. A 300-6, 4 speed, 4x4. I get about 10-12 mpg. My truck is completely stock and I drive it easy. That kind of mileage is EASY to get out of a 460. A 460 doesn't care, it'll turn no matter where it is or what it's doing. To drive up a hill, you won't even have to lean in the gas much. With that 6, you have to step on it pretty good to get up a steep grade.
As I said, I'm not bad-mouthing the 300. I wanted one, and went through the trouble to get one. I think they're great engines. But the first time you go to pull anything, (in my case it was a big block Nova on a car trailer) you'll wish you had that 460 back. I'm putting a 390 in my truck. .......and I searched long and hard for my six.
.....just sayin'.
.....I'll have a complete six set up in a few weeks if you're interested. engine, clutch, bell housing, exhaust, frame stands, ...everything. If you're bent on the 300.
I made it a point to get a 300-6 when I was looking for my truck. I got exactly what a I wanted. A 300-6, 4 speed, 4x4. I get about 10-12 mpg. My truck is completely stock and I drive it easy. That kind of mileage is EASY to get out of a 460. A 460 doesn't care, it'll turn no matter where it is or what it's doing. To drive up a hill, you won't even have to lean in the gas much. With that 6, you have to step on it pretty good to get up a steep grade.
As I said, I'm not bad-mouthing the 300. I wanted one, and went through the trouble to get one. I think they're great engines. But the first time you go to pull anything, (in my case it was a big block Nova on a car trailer) you'll wish you had that 460 back. I'm putting a 390 in my truck. .......and I searched long and hard for my six.
.....just sayin'.
.....I'll have a complete six set up in a few weeks if you're interested. engine, clutch, bell housing, exhaust, frame stands, ...everything. If you're bent on the 300.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Monmouth County, NJ
Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm convinced now that I should leave the 460 or just buy a truck with a smaller original, and by the sounds of it, the 460 burns just a little more gas even though its a lot bigger. Not gonna open up a can of worms.
[quote=NorthwestX360;10560385]Rather than spending the money on an engine swap, why not buy a used compact car to use as a commuter? quote]
Good idea and I've thought of it before. It makes sense because you always have somewhat of a backup, too, in case either vehicle breaks down. But I can barely afford insurance for one vehicle.
[quote=NorthwestX360;10560385]Rather than spending the money on an engine swap, why not buy a used compact car to use as a commuter? quote]
Good idea and I've thought of it before. It makes sense because you always have somewhat of a backup, too, in case either vehicle breaks down. But I can barely afford insurance for one vehicle.
