Hey guys first let me say I love this forum. I have learned so much and put a lot of what I have read to use and for that I thank you.

So I have a 1969 F100 long bed that I picked up for 1k. Body is in good shape with no rust or dents. I pulled the 360 motor stripped it to the block and rebuilt it. The tranny is, I'm assuming, stock manual 3 spd. The previous owner moved the shifter from the column to the floor. This is my first rebuild and besides the second hand holley being a POS the motor runs and sounds good. I have two ideas. First I'm going to invest in some headers and a dual exhaust set up. Second I'm going to invest in probably a 650 holley with vacuum secondary and dual fuel inlet to get the truck running a little more smoothly.

My goal isn't to just spice up the stock 360 and leave it at that. I'm thinking of going after maybe a 460 doing a full rebuild with some minor performance mods. I know nothing about cams but I want one with a nice lop at idle.

My question is what manual tranny should i got with?
Should I swap the rear end when I do put the big block in it?

Keep in mind I am a working class man and have limited money to spend at any given time.

I don't plan to drag race the truck. Just want something that is impressive going down the road and will really move when I mash the gas.

Any thoughts or concerns or questions are welcome. I'm still learning and want to make this a truck that is cool and I'm proud of and something I can pass along to my kids.

Here are some pics of the 360 rebuild process.

ImageShack Album - 58 images


Thanks
Daniel

 

Daniel, Welcome to FTE & the Bumpside Forum.

I think sitting down and taking a deep breath might be in order. A nice built 390 is a pretty stout engine, so is the 460. They are two different engine families and parts don't swap. The FE was dropped in 76, there is a top loader 4 speed but not much more offered without spending bucks. Dual exhaust is good but headers wont mix between the engines either.

You are easily looking near the $10,000.00 range with what you are thinking, is that in your plan?



John

 

Make your decision. 360 (FE) or 460. As John says they are 2 different animals. If you want info on the 460 go to 460 Ford Forum & BIG BLOCK FORD'S You will need to be making some decisions as to what you want for output. Sorry not much on FE info from me. I guess there is a FE site or 2 like the 460 but I do not know what the urls are.

 

1968/82 460: Only trans available: C6

460 not offered with a M/T (4 speed) until 1983 in F250/350's only and all 1983/97 F250/350 460's have a hydraulic clutch.

'Top Loader' (Ford) 4 speed only installed in cars.

360/390 share the same bore (4.05"), the stroke is different. To convert a 360 to a 390, all that's required is the 390's crank, rods, pistons and rings.

One heck of a lot cheaper than swapping in a 460, which will require engine mounting parts from a 1973/79 F100/350 460 as none of the 360/390 parts will work.

 

360 is a big block , they make a stroker kit for the 360/390 to make it a 445 .
here's a link to a FE builder
Survival FE Engine Kits