Looking for 78-79.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
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Looking for 78-79.
First off, Merry Christmas everybody. I'm in the process of looking for a 78-79 truck. First question, what motors come in these trucks and are the good for more making power? I was looking at a 351W but I don't think they came in these trucks. Would it be that hard to change over motors? Also if I don't find a manual one, is it easy to convert a automatic to a manual? Another thing is, What is needed to make a 351W a roller? I've head something about conversion link bar lifters and that you could use a regular circle base cam instead of the small circle ones.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Conway, South Carolina
If you are looking to go with a roller cam in a 351w. You best bet is to find one out of a 94-96 f150/bronco or 94-97 f250. Those years were roller ready blocks. All you have to do is buy the roller cam and just the roller lifters.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
First off, Merry Christmas everybody. I'm in the process of looking for a 78-79 truck. First question, what motors come in these trucks and are the good for more making power
? I was looking at a 351W but I don't think they came in these trucks. Would it be that hard to change over motors? Also if I don't find a manual one, is it easy to convert a automatic to a manual? Another thing is, What is needed to make a 351W a roller? I've head something about conversion link bar lifters and that you could use a regular circle base cam instead of the small circle ones.
? I was looking at a 351W but I don't think they came in these trucks. Would it be that hard to change over motors? Also if I don't find a manual one, is it easy to convert a automatic to a manual? Another thing is, What is needed to make a 351W a roller? I've head something about conversion link bar lifters and that you could use a regular circle base cam instead of the small circle ones.Depends what end use of the truck and your budget... 300-I6/302 for 2WD shortbed/street cruiser with acceptable gas mileage. 351M/400 either for 4WD or 2WD street truck or offroader. 460 for towing, simple cubic inches, and mileage doesn't really matter. My choice would be the 460 coupled to a built 4R70W or AOD-E, or a Tremec TKO trans.
Correct... 351Ws were not available in the 73-79s.
The term "easy" is relative to your skill set and resources. The better question to ask is whether there are caveats concerning a specific engine swap.
Roller cam 351W? Roller cam, lifters, rockers, spider bar, and a compatible distributor drive gear. Or find an engine as noted above.
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Mountain Pass
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I read that if you get engine mounts(I think 302) that it would be a direct bolt up if I use a 351W. I might go with the 351W. There doesnt seem to be alot of parts for the 351M and 400, at least that I can find. I was looking for camshafts and pistons. I guess I could step up to a 460. I know they have a good aftermarket. I was thinking bout the NP435 or the T18 that came with these. I'd really like a overdrive transmission. The only overdrive transmission that ive researched and isnt expensive(as in like $2000) is the ZF5 and it holds good power. My fab skills right now are drilling holes and a sledgehammer as thats all I have.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,324
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From: Conway, South Carolina
The 351w and 302 share the same, valve covers, water pumps, engine mounts, timing cover, ect. The 351w maily has so much aftermarket support because of the 5.0 mustangs, and then those guy upgrading to a 351w to get more torque.
The ZF5 is a heavy duty trans. You can use the transfercase in the 78-79 truck with this trans. Dirve shaft lengths will probably change and different trans crossmember.
If you are doing alot of 4x4ing I would keep the T-18 trans. I had one in a 1987 f150 and loved it. it was great off road.
There is actually a 1978 f150 lifted on 38's here for $1000 has some rust not bad and a 460. but the 460 is blown up. so you can find them and at decent prices.
The ZF5 is a heavy duty trans. You can use the transfercase in the 78-79 truck with this trans. Dirve shaft lengths will probably change and different trans crossmember.
If you are doing alot of 4x4ing I would keep the T-18 trans. I had one in a 1987 f150 and loved it. it was great off road.
There is actually a 1978 f150 lifted on 38's here for $1000 has some rust not bad and a 460. but the 460 is blown up. so you can find them and at decent prices.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Conway, South Carolina
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As already stated, your motor options are 300/302, 351m/400 and 460. Keep in mind that the 460 is only available in 2wd, and I don't believe the 302 ever came stock with a manual trans in 4x4 (someone will correct me if I'm wrong).
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