Hey guys I saw an ad on CL about a 1972 f100. The add said he was selling the 360 with trans and power steering as well as power brake setup. My question was would this all fit in my 56 f100? Sounds like a good deal

 

The 360 and tranny will fit for sure, just a version of the FE V8 engine Ford started installing in 54. It was a low HP <200 low compression truck only engine. Some 390 parts may fit, but mostly it is a mongrel, so don't plan on hopping it up. The power brake setup will work, but you'll need to adapt the hanging pedals or adapt the MC to under floor. The PS won't help you. If it is an F100 it should have the desirable 9" rear axle that will bolt into your 56. The rear axle ration should be stamped on the rating plate.

 

The FE will fit and will work but I were going to the trouble of an engine swap, I would look elsewhere for a more modern engine and overdrive transmission. I've owned dozens of the FEs in most sizes. The FE ranged in size from 332 to something like 428, I believe. First out in 1958 as an option to replace the Y block. Anyone seriously considering a non stock installation of an FE should educate themselves on the engine. Lots of variations and parts incompatibility. The truck may have a desirable ratio rear end. The deal may be a bargain, may be a money pit. Cheap does not always equal a good deal or desirable.

 

Ok thanks guys for your help

 

Actually, the FE series of engines was introduced for the 1958 model year. The 360 was a truck engine that replaced the 352 in the late 60's, and was really just a destroked 390. Anything that can be done to modify a 390 will work just as good on a 360. 360's and 390's were used in trucks until 1977, when they were replaced by the 351M/400 (335 series) engines.


For newguy, Ray makes some valid points. Sure, the 360/C6 will make a great engine for your truck, but there are more modern alternatives that will fit better, get better gas mileage, and may be more cost effective in the long run. Think long and hard on what you want from your truck before jumping at the first "good deal" that comes along. If what you want is a big block with a ton of torque, 10-12 mpg, and a lot of weight over the front end, then it could be the deal of the century.

 

Some of the most expensive mods start with:
1. I can get it cheap.
2. I got it free.
3. I already have it.
Especially when it ends up being not what you really wanted!

 

Thanks for all the help,what my plan is I wana make my truck run,my buddy has a motor that I plan on building up in the future for the truck,just want something I can drive for a couple years until I get more money to do the motor

 

I believe it was the FE engine in Ford Edsel '58 . Correct me if I am wrong . Later , Denny

 

1958 Edsel Page

The 361 was an FE.
The 410 was by itself with the combustion chamber in the block. Also 430 Mercury.

Personally, I'd look into a 302/351W with AOD or C-6. Especially if you want to "make it run" in the future.

 

Yeah that's what my buddy has a 302 block and new bottom end but doesn't have the rest of it,that's y I want something that runs for a bit

 

FE engines introduced in 1958 Ford/Edsel Passenger Cars: 332 & 352 in Fords, 361 in Edsel Ranger (optional)/Pacer/Corsair. This engine (a slight overbore of the 352) was only used in 1958.

The 410 is not an FE engine, it was also only used in 1958, standard equipment in Citations, optional in Corsairs.

410 based off the 383/430 Lincoln/Mercury engines. 430's were also optional in 1959/60 Thunderbirds that came standard equipment with 352's (ditto 1958).

390 introduced in 1961 Ford/Mercury/Thunderbird. 1958/64 FE engines have rounded valve covers without holes in them for oil caps, oil fill tube located on right front corner of intake manifold.

Since FE engines were not installed in F100/350's until 1965, the 1958/64 block bolt pattern for the rubber insulators in different.

First year FE engines (352 2V) installed in F100/350's: 1965, 352 used thru 1967.

360/390 introduced in 1968 F100/350's, used thru 1976. Both were cancelled at the end of the 1976 model run. 1971 was the last year FE's (390) were available in cars.

360/390 share the same block, the bore is the same (4.05"). The only difference is the stroke: 360: 3.50" vs 390: 3.78."

All the parts interchange except for the crank, rods, pistons and rings. So, all it takes to convert a 360 into a 390 is these specific 390 parts.

CAVEAT EMPTOR ~ Let the buyer beware! 1968/72 F100's were available with two different 9" rear axles. One has 28 spline axleshafts, t'other has a 9 3/8" ring gear, 31 spline axleshafts and Traction-Lok.

ONLY 5 parts interchange 9 vs 9 3/8: Pinion seal, housing gasket, pilot bearing retainer, one pinion bearing and cup. EVERYTHING else is different!

Dana 60.3 rear axle optional in 1966/69 F100's, has an inspection cover, the 9's do not. This is not a Dana 60 (F250's only), 60.3 replacement parts are hard to find: STAY AWAY!

1963/79: AXLE code stamped on the Warranty Plate, located on the left door face below the latch. Only the rear axle ID tag has the axle ratio stamped on it.

ID tag located under one of the bolts that retains the carrier (pumpkin) to the housing, originally at approx. 5 o'clock. Today, many of these tags are missing.

 

This is true! Swapping the heads and intake manifold with aluminum versions will shave off 14,000 lbs. but it's costly.

 

Thanks Bill. You just answered a question I was preparing to ask. Being a rookie in this old truck business, I didn't know what FE engines are. Every time I read something on FTE about them, I "assumed" it was referring to "Flathead Engine", but that never made sense in the context of the discussions that followed. Duhh...

 

You guys are a wealth of info and really appreciate it

 

I noticed on the Edsel link premium gas was rated at 105 octain. I remember it being higher but I forgot how high. IT has nothing to do with this thread, sorry .