Hey, thank you for your time if you're reading this.
I just got a 1983 F150 XLT for dirt cheap because it did not come with an engine or transmission. It's my first Ford and will eventually become a project truck. Right now, I have three options for a "quick" replacement for an engine and transmission and that's what I need advice for. I've been trying to Google certain specs on the three fords to see which engine and transmission would be most compatible with my 1983.
My choices are: 1989 f150 XLT Lariat, 1992 F150 XLT, or a 1997 F150 XL.

Those are the three choices I have and would like to know which one would be the smoothest transition into my 1983 as far as engine and transmission goes.

Thanks again for your time.
-Daniel

 

Welcome to FTE, Daniel.

All 3 of those engines (assuming I-6, 302 or 351 2 bbl) you list are computer-controlled, which means you'll also need all the sensors & wiring & fuel system & computer unless you want to try and convert one to run on a carburetor, neither is a smooth transition IMO.

A 351W HO (which is basically a 4-barrel) had a DSII ignition until someplace around 1988 I believe.

If you don't want to mess with that, search for 1983 and older engines.

You really should elaborate on the engine size you're looking for, transmission, and 2- or 4-wheel drive....

To add to that, there are components (engine stands, commonly called "perches" here) bolted/riveted to the frame on which the engine was mounted, and those components are sometimes different depending on which engine was installed.

Then, you get into transmission-mount cross members, driveshaft lengths, which yokes, etc. etc. etc.

 

Thanks for the help.
I'm looking for a 302 and any tranny that'll work ATM. I'd be getting these engines and transmissions from a "you pull it" place so I can get the wires and sensors and such along with it. I'm just trying to get it running right now and then I'll be slowly ordering new/refurbished components and learning how to overhaul the engine and such down the road. I just don't want to go pull the 97's or 92's engine and find out its not compatible at all in my 83.
Ive never done engine or transmission work before so I'm a little nervous.

 

Which is why I'm trying to say... maybe I can say it a bit louder...

I would NOT suggest you try to install a later-model, EFI engine into this thing, it will be a LOT bigger of a deal than it might appear at first.

You can convert such an engine to run on a carburetor and standard, non-computer-controlled electronic ignition, but that's also a fair amount of work.

Your being a newbie at this stuff, I really don't suggest or encourage you to go there.......

 

x20! The absolute first thing you need to do is to determine, and tell us, what engine the truck had originally. Chris said that many of the engines take different perches, etc. But, he could have said all the engines take different perches, which are VERY tightly riveted to the frame and are a pain to change. And sometimes radiators. And wiring harnesses. And transmission bolt patterns. And......

So I would recommend going back with what was in it originally. But, if you have your heart set on the little 302 then I'll say to you what I just typed to someone else not 5 minutes ago:Trucks need torque as they are heavy and do work. So, tell me why you want a 302?

 

Only BC the original was a 302 v8 5.0L. And there are 302s I can get at good price

 

Let me be blunt: You said "Ive never done engine or transmission work before so I'm a little nervous." And, you are right to be nervous as transplanting a later model EFI engine into anything else is not where you want to cut your engine-transplanting teeth. It is not something I would undertake lightly, and I have a bit of experience, as I know enough to realize there are many, many sensors, connections, and other pieces to be considered. One you probably haven't thought of is the oil pan, as auto pans won't fit in these trucks. But it goes far beyond that.

Having said that, you are really asking the wrong people. The majority of the people in this forum are experienced (Have YOU ever been experienced?) in this series of trucks. But few of us have any hands-on knowledge of the engines you are considering. If you don't run from this plot then you should go to the appropriate engine forum and ask the experts there.

 

That would be this one:

Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

To swap to a computer-controlled engine means you'd need the entire wiring harness & fuel system (and its plumbing) from the donor. And you'd probably want to swap out the entire dash, too, as none of the electrical connectors are the same.

It's something of a big deal to do, not something that can be finished one sunny, bright Saturday afternoon....

 

I might know someone willing to part with an 82 351w block punched +.060 with fresh bottom end. Has a cast iron 4v intake on it... still has the eec3 dist. Might need a fresh timing set or just reset time...

Trying to make room for a 4bt swap.

 

I'm pretty new too, but welcome! I think the idea would be sweet, but your asking for headaches and months of work swapping to a U-pull EFI. Sounds like a fun project and I have seen it done, but lacking experience your asking for problems, plus you will need alot of tools you may not have? Fab skill are also needed. Good luck whatever route you decide to take, but it sounds fun no matter carb or efi, these old trucks where I live seem to be pretty rare these days and I love em. Oh and for research, this site has such a huge wealth of knowledge you can spend day after day reading and learning and when you pick up the tool you know where it needs to go. Ctubutis actually has helped me a million times with reality checks and a but load of information, even though he doesn't know it lol. He post alot of good stuff everywhere and his opinion is pretty valuable. Thanks Ctubutis, cheers to the newbie from a newbie haha

 

1981 to date: The EIGHTH digit of the VIN is the engine code, post what it is.

Do not assume that a 1983 F100/150 came with a 302, as some, depending on state emission laws, came with the gutless/anemic 255 V8, a smogged up terd of an engine.

Installing computerized engines in non computerized vehicles: A ROYAL PITA! The computer MUST match the engine, lotsa luck getting the engine to run correctly if it doesn't match!

 

255 wow and I thought I had the smallest one of em all haha. Those I assume are pretty rare lol.

 

Thanks for the kudos, graverobber.

 

please take the advise from these guy's and go back with as close to orginal as possible. like one post said check the vin find out what it came with and go with it. you will have alot less time and money involved in the long haul. every thing computer related was pretty close on the f 150's from 81 to 86. in 87 they changed to electronic fuel injection with a completly different wiring harness.

 

Uh huh...take a look-see at all the 1983 F150 302 Calibration Code parts lists.

Each one of these parts lists could have separate emissions and fuel related parts listed, including the computer. There is NO other way to look up these parts!

If the Calibration Code is unknown, whatever part that needs to be replaced on a specific truck has to be compared in all the specific parts lists to see if it matches.

The parts must match the computer, otherwise the truck won't run correctly. After spending 35 years as a partsman, I retired in 1997 because I was fed up dealing with this crap!

And I avoid...whenever possible, dealing with it on FTE, cuz if the Calibration Code is unknown, the member is up **** creek without a paddle!