Just joined the site. Looking at buying a 66 F100 with I6 and 3 spd on the column. First thing I plan to do is swap the 6 for an 8. What engine choices are out there that will require a minimal amount of modifications?
Thanks

 

cairopd1069, Welcome to FTE and the Slick Forum

There is no answer for your question. A couple things if I may, absolutely has to be OD tranny, & I say damn a full grown Ford truck that can't shift it's own gears so auto for me. 2nd with the price of gas staying up I would look for an Ecoboost, converting fully to EFI.

There will be a list of more suggestions coming but that's my idea of a fun date.



John

 

The Eco-Boost that John is referring to: 365 HP DOHC 24 valve 3.5L V6 with twin turbochargers initially introduced in 2011 F150's as an option.

Dunno what one a these used Eco's would cost, but I would assume...at least 5 grand.

IMO, if concerned about MPG, would keep the I-6, swapping in a 300 if the present I-6 is a 240.

 

The V8 engine that was offered by the factory in 1966 was the 352 FE motor in 2 bbl, single exhaust configuration giving 172 NET horsepower, 208 GROSS horsepower. It would use the same engine mount perches (but repositioned) as your I-6. The 3 speed manual transmission for the V8 is different (more heavy duty) than the one for the I-6. Other FE engines (for example, 360, 390, 427, 428) will also fit, but they must be 1965 or newer as that's when the motor mounts on the engine casting were changed. None of the FEs are particularly great for fuel economy. Installing later vintage small blocks (either carbureated or fuel injected) is not particularly difficult and will give you better fuel mileage, but does require different perches and lots of other parts. See the thread by '37 Ford Guy for how to do the Mustang SEFI 5.0 swap. Hope this helps.

 

Bill, No idea what they cost, I am convinced differently in 2014 than I was 15-20 years back. A lot has changed in power and mpgs, as well as ride.

I can not dis-respect the truck and drop him on his azz, but a different Ford drive train and chassis I think I could.


John

 

Yes, welcome to FTE!! Swapped the 6 cyl. for a 302 mounted to same bell housing. Been awhile, mid 70's, seem to recall using same engine perch just moved them slightly; other option, salvage or purchase set of small block V8 perches, need to use the small block V8 flywheel. I purchased an early model small block with flat tappet, regret not going with a later model w/ roller cam. I would assume upgrading to a fuel inj. system would improve mpg so may want to take into consideration. Personally, I would stay carbureted, not computer literate and prefer to know how to work on the truck. If decide to go w/ small block may want to consider posting questions in appropriate engine forum, perhaps member more knowledgeable w/ the particulars when it comes to roller cam; also, pro's and con's of carbureted vs fuel inj. and what's involved??

Use the 65 w/ 302 for hauling and never had an issue w/ the engine not up to the task, including hauling our 8X5 enclosed trailer. I have had problems where rental company would not let me rent their trailer for transporting tractors, or vehicles, etc; whereas, the 65 w/ the 352 no questions asked. Anyhow, food for thought?? Again, welcome to FTE!!

 

Dave, I am going to take my 66 and my 06 down the street for someone else to work on, should it need it. Seems to me the EFI stuff works very well and does not require tinkering.



John

 

John, other than regular maintenance I take the later model vehicles to the local mechanic. Am certain, as with you, after some 40 years get to know these trucks like the back of your hand, usually don't mind working on them since they are about as basic and simple as it gets and the only vehicles I don't feel intimated by when I open the hood.