Blindsided engine swap
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Freshman User
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Blindsided engine swap
Hello all.
Pretty pissed. Found out the F100 I got had a 390 in it instead of a 460 like I was told (got the truck with out an engine). So the 460 short block that I just got and am planning to build won't be as easy a drop in as hoped for. On top of that, I just ordered heads for it. I'm running this build from over 700 miles away, that's why there was miscommunication and no possible confirmation. Yeah, it's my fault. Just thought I could trust someone's word. Anyway, the transmission and headers that are there are not compatible with the 460 and this is really turning me away from this project. Went from just dropping in a nice well built engine to a full on everything-swap. Was reading that I will have to drill the motor mounts or buy new ones. This is my first ford anything and it's a bit frustrating. I will have hands on time in a few months. I guess I really needed to rant. You guys think it's worth continuing the project?
Pretty pissed. Found out the F100 I got had a 390 in it instead of a 460 like I was told (got the truck with out an engine). So the 460 short block that I just got and am planning to build won't be as easy a drop in as hoped for. On top of that, I just ordered heads for it. I'm running this build from over 700 miles away, that's why there was miscommunication and no possible confirmation. Yeah, it's my fault. Just thought I could trust someone's word. Anyway, the transmission and headers that are there are not compatible with the 460 and this is really turning me away from this project. Went from just dropping in a nice well built engine to a full on everything-swap. Was reading that I will have to drill the motor mounts or buy new ones. This is my first ford anything and it's a bit frustrating. I will have hands on time in a few months. I guess I really needed to rant. You guys think it's worth continuing the project?
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
In my opinion, the swap is well worth it. If you stick with an auto transmission it will make things a lot more simple, but if you insist on a 4 speed as I did, then I have plenty of good information to help you get it together. If you are not wanting to take on an engine swap at this point in time, then you could always do some old-school horse-trading, your engine for a built FE.
Here are a couple of links that helped me a lot when I did my swap.
1973-1979 Ford Truck 460 V-8 Swap
75 Highboy..changing FE to BBF...spacer for bellhousing? - 460 Ford Forum
Here are a couple of links that helped me a lot when I did my swap.
1973-1979 Ford Truck 460 V-8 Swap
75 Highboy..changing FE to BBF...spacer for bellhousing? - 460 Ford Forum
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2014
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In my opinion, the swap is well worth it. If you stick with an auto transmission it will make things a lot more simple, but if you insist on a 4 speed as I did, then I have plenty of good information to help you get it together. If you are not wanting to take on an engine swap at this point in time, then you could always do some old-school horse-trading, your engine for a built FE.
Here are a couple of links that helped me a lot when I did my swap.
1973-1979 Ford Truck 460 V-8 Swap
75 Highboy..changing FE to BBF...spacer for bellhousing? - 460 Ford Forum
Here are a couple of links that helped me a lot when I did my swap.
1973-1979 Ford Truck 460 V-8 Swap
75 Highboy..changing FE to BBF...spacer for bellhousing? - 460 Ford Forum
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,674
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
2wd is a whole 'nother issue! I thought you were 4x4. You can buy everything you need from the junkyard.. engine horns, bellhousing, motor mounts, the whole schpeel! Just source them from a late 70's ford pickup that originally had a 460 in it, and your set! For what it's worth, 460's ONLY came in 2 wheel drive pickups, with an automatic transmission. That's what makes this swap about 100x easier than I originally was thinking. 460's didn't appear in 4x4's until about 1983, a different body style.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Were 460's even offered in F100's? Can the front suspension support that big of an engine? That'd be my only concern.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
I can't honestly answer that, as I'm not familiar enough with f100's. Maybe someone more informed than me will stop by and answer your question, but I can not be of any help with that matter. If it were me though... I would swap it in and wait to see if/when a problem would arise..
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
I believe that '74 was the first year that 460's were offered in trucks, however I have been wrong before.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Aw shucks... I thot by your discussion of a "lifted" rig above that you were referring to a 4x4. I don't think they'll work.
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Freshman User
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2wd is a whole 'nother issue! I thought you were 4x4. You can buy everything you need from the junkyard.. engine horns, bellhousing, motor mounts, the whole schpeel! Just source them from a late 70's ford pickup that originally had a 460 in it, and your set! For what it's worth, 460's ONLY came in 2 wheel drive pickups, with an automatic transmission. That's what makes this swap about 100x easier than I originally was thinking. 460's didn't appear in 4x4's until about 1983, a different body style.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,674
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From: town of less than 200 ppl
Honestly, when I swapped the 429 into my highboy I used factory manifolds. In my situation, I would have either had to use shorty headers (VERY little, if any, gain), or buy the special L&L swap headers ($$$$$!!!!) The factory manifolds I found on a re-man 460 in the local junkyard, I paid $30 for them, along with some brackets and other things I needed for my swap. Note that truck manifolds and car manifolds are different.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2014
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Honestly, when I swapped the 429 into my highboy I used factory manifolds. In my situation, I would have either had to use shorty headers (VERY little, if any, gain), or buy the special L&L swap headers ($$$$$!!!!) The factory manifolds I found on a re-man 460 in the local junkyard, I paid $30 for them, along with some brackets and other things I needed for my swap. Note that truck manifolds and car manifolds are different.