Hello there. I'm new to the forum. Just picked up a 66 F100. As far as resto goes, this isn't my first rodeo however, this is my very first ford. I have owned tons of classic and I still own a 67 chevy c10 and a 55 pontiac wagon. Both of those are chevy platform and very familiar to me. There was a time when I would just gut this 66 and throw an sbc in it and call it done but, after lurking here for a few weeks and reading all that I have, I am very intrigued by the fe motor and can't wait to see what I can make it do. I may have a ton of what seem to be noob questions due to my lack of ford knowledge. I know they aren't super different when you get to brass tacks of basic engine mechanics but some things won't be the same. At any rate. I hope to lean as much as possible from you guys as well as share whatever knowledge I have to offer. My first project is going to be disc brakes which I will be pulling ibeams and all from a donor this weekend. Next will be engine performance beginning with exhaust and carb tuning to see where I'm at. This truck sat in a barn for YEARS but still runs and drives. Smoked like crazy when I first cranked it but the smoke went away after a few days. Here's some pics of her.

 

Looks good. Hows the cab mounts and inside the bed?

FE's are good dependable motors, but dont expect them to be on the same level as a 351w or a 460 if your looking for a bunch of power unless you sink some money into them.

 

Well, when I got it I noticed what i thought was some nasty rust in the cab floors and bed. once I got a wire brush to them it all ended up being mud and surface rust. The cab mounts look good but I will most likely replace all of the body mounts for good measure. I don't expect the 352 to be a show stopper but I may give it a little more life. I'm not a street race kind of guy but, it may need a little more umph for my taste.

 

Welcome to FTE! You didn't say which transmission is in your truck, You could have (stock) a Cruise-O-Matic; a three speed manual; a three speed manual with overdrive; or either of two different four speeds, both with granny first gears. If your warranty plate is still attached to your driver's door, post the information and someone will decode it for you. Of course the plate could be missing or the driver's door could have been replaced, in which case we won't have as much info as we might have. Post your VIN and we can at least tell you when it was built, where it was built, and what engine it came with (seemingly a 352 2bbl). The 352 can be helped by getting rid of the log style exhaust manifolds, putting a 4 bbl on it, and going to an electronic ignition system such as a Pertronix or MSD. Better, more powerful FEs include the 390, 406, 410, 427, and 428. The 406 and 427s were primarily intended for racing. The 360 FE engine is numerous but is only a 352 with a 4.05 bore instead of 4.00. Same stroke. FEs are regaining some of their former popularity and there are stroker kits for them on the market that are pretty eye watering. One of the down sides to the FE is that they're pretty heavy, though not more so than the 429/460. 302s/351s are definitely lighter. I am just finishing my restomod '66 and I love it. Pleased to hear you are going to keep your Ford a Ford. Let us know how we can help you.

 

I know it's 3 on the tree not sure of overdrive. I will be going to the shop tonight to do some owrk on it and I will pull the information and see what you guys thing. I plan to do the pertronix and flamethrower coil. I did the swap on my belair long ago and loved it. I have plans for a 4bbl and intake at some point but not until I figure out if I need a rebuild or not. If I have to tear it down a stroker kit may be the route I take. i thought about making it floor shift but i seem to find 50/50 whether its worth it or not. I like the thought of keeping the original motor but i'm definitely not opposed to an upgrade. I've been dying to put a 460 in something.

 

Take a good look at them. They are probably OK, or maybe just a need a patch. Replacing them is a pain as you probably will need to pull the cab to do it right. But it sounds like your is pretty solid, so Im betting they are fine.

If it has an OD there should be an OD handle under the dash if I remember right. The 352 will wake up nicely with a electronic ignition, headers, decent intake and smaller 4 barrel, 600-650cfm or so. Even swapping in a cam isnt too bad on them. If you want more power, then a 390 is the easiest route with a few upgrades. If you want more power than that, then a 460 is definitely in order.

 

No warranty plate unfortunately, I do have the vin though. F10YD872675

 

Well, the VIN tells us: F10 = F100 two wheel drive truck, 5000 pound GVW rating, Y = 352 2 bbl V8 engine, D = built at Dallas, TX plant, 872675 = built in June, 1966. Should you decide to have a new warranty plate made by Kevin Marti, we can use this information to extrapolate your GVW (5000#) and NET engine hp (172) - gross is 208 - at 4000 rpms. If your trans is 3 on the tree w/o O/D the code will be "C". If with O/D then the code is "B". If you get lucky, you may find a metal tag attached to the differential which will provide your axle ratio. It would not be unusual for your gears to be 3.50 or 3.25 in a Ford 9 inch non-limited slip, but there are plenty of other available possibilities. Hope this helps.

 

I may have possibly errored in that your truck's GVW rating could also be 4200 pounds instead of 5000 pounds. Most, however, seem to be 5000. Just wanted to get that in before I get "pinged".

 

just a little update. I acquired an entire power disc brake setup ibeams and all from a guy here in texas 200. and a buddy offered me his 78 f350 drive train as a donor 460/c6 which still runs and drives. I see some major work getting started real soon.

 

another update. swapped in a disc setup from a 76 f150. tear down and install took 2 hours. couldn't ask for an easier swap.