Dumb question from the new guy
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Dumb question from the new guy
I just purchased a 1974 F100 and it has a 390 in it I would like a smaller engine. I will be restoring this a gift for my father and 6 mpg isn't going to work. I would like some advise on what engines will bolt into the engine compartment without alot of changes and modifications understanding motor mounts might be different or something just no welding or cutting would be nice.Thanks for time and help
Khriss
ps looking at like 302 would like to keep engine from this era no electronics or computers and hoping to keep tranny as it has recently been rebuilt by previous owner
Khriss
ps looking at like 302 would like to keep engine from this era no electronics or computers and hoping to keep tranny as it has recently been rebuilt by previous owner
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Unfortunately, the FE family (360/390) used a unique bell housing bolt patern that won't interchange between any other Ford engine so you won't be able to keep the tranny.
I would go with either a 302 V8 or a 300 6 cylinder. Both shared the same bellhousing patern.
Any way you go, you're going to need to change the tranny., motor mounts, mount towers, and accessory brackets, and possibly the rear trans. crossmember.
On the plus side, everything is bolt in, no welding or fabbing is required.
I would go with either a 302 V8 or a 300 6 cylinder. Both shared the same bellhousing patern.
Any way you go, you're going to need to change the tranny., motor mounts, mount towers, and accessory brackets, and possibly the rear trans. crossmember.
On the plus side, everything is bolt in, no welding or fabbing is required.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
thank you for that follow up question if you have a minute
does that mean cutting and welding or are those parts replacements and would a 360 I was offered in a swap make that much differance in your opinion? sorry missed your last two lines but would still like answer on 360 question
Last edited by kripplerkhriss; Feb 19, 2012 at 09:57 AM. Reason: missed part of answer
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Unfortunately, the FE family (360/390) used a unique bell housing bolt patern that won't interchange between any other Ford engine so you won't be able to keep the tranny.
I would go with either a 302 V8 or a 300 6 cylinder. Both shared the same bellhousing patern.
Any way you go, you're going to need to change the tranny., motor mounts, mount towers, and accessory brackets, and possibly the rear trans. crossmember.
On the plus side, everything is bolt in, no welding or fabbing is required.
I would go with either a 302 V8 or a 300 6 cylinder. Both shared the same bellhousing patern.
Any way you go, you're going to need to change the tranny., motor mounts, mount towers, and accessory brackets, and possibly the rear trans. crossmember.
On the plus side, everything is bolt in, no welding or fabbing is required.
...Just kidding...the best way to learn is to ask...there is so MUCH KNOWLEDGE ON THIS FORUM, you walk away dripping with overflow!+1 to all that Mikeo0o0o0 said...I was trying to get to my computer so it would be easier to type in, but Mike said exactly what I was getting ready to say...
On the positive side, you could always sell the engine and transmission out of the truck to offset the cost of the other...look for a donor truck with the engine/transmission you want to put in...that way you would have all your parts, and it would literally be a "Bolt On Application"...just another beauty of these ole trucks!
And Post Some PICS! We all love PICS!
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Galax , Virginia
Yeah i agree, and i honestly have talked with guys that say the 300 is terrible on fuel as well. Im in your boast too. I need a new carb though. I surely can get better than 4 and 6 mpg outta this truck!.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
another ? after that help
what kind of loaner trucks would have the engine and tranny I am looking for with the older era motor would it just be looking for a truck with that engine and tranny or will other "cars" have what I need if so what. I am 42 and have never done anything like this so this is going to hunt and peck process for me thank you guys for the advise this the kind of truck my grandpa had and this is a special thing for me to do in this time of my life If you listen to Justin Moores GRANDPA and IF HEAVEN WASN'T SO FAR AWAY you will understand alot more thanks again guys
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
Gotta ask, but how did you come up with the "6 MPG" in your first post? If the truck runs, and is getting that low MPG, there's got to be something wrong. Could need tuned up, or the brakes could be dragging. There's a lot of stuff that can have a negative impact on MPG. Even a bad fuel pump can cause excessive fuel consumption.
I get better than 6 MPG in town with a 74 F100, and the 390 in it is not quite stock.
I get better than 6 MPG in town with a 74 F100, and the 390 in it is not quite stock.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Charleston, SC
I get 8-9 in city and 12-13 on highway with my 460 in '79 single cab short bed. Something is not right for you to be getting 6 with a smaller engine. Change fuel filter, air filter, clean carb, etc and you will see mpg increase. Also check tire pressure something that is overlooked by many
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 0
From: Schweinfurt Germany
If it was me I would swap in the 300 we have done it on a number of different vehicles for my father in law and he gets pretty darn good mileage. I think at last oil change (thats when we sit down and calculate the mileage) he was getting 17mpg
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 48
From: Middle TN
I hate the poor mileage and high gas prices as much as anyone but....More money has been wasted trying to swap engines, trans, and rear axle ratios to end with virtually no significant gain in Mpg. If you take what it cost to do an engine swap and divide it by the pennies you will save in fuel per 100,000 miles, it just doesn't add up.
Things you can do to improve MPG.............
Maintain max tire pressure
Check alinement often (too much toe-in or too much toe-out kills MPG)
Tune-up engine
Synthetic Fluids in manual trans and drive axles
Check for disc brake drag
Make sure choke opens rapidly and completely
Buy a cheap used small economy car that gets great MPG and use your classic truck on weekends
Things you can do to improve MPG.............
Maintain max tire pressure
Check alinement often (too much toe-in or too much toe-out kills MPG)
Tune-up engine
Synthetic Fluids in manual trans and drive axles
Check for disc brake drag
Make sure choke opens rapidly and completely
Buy a cheap used small economy car that gets great MPG and use your classic truck on weekends