Yes, good point.

Throughout the process I actually learned quite a bit so I will be a little more prepared to pull the trigger next time.

Although, I had a time set up to go look at the engine at the earliest time I could get there. It just wasn't meant to be I guess.

 

Yes, no need to second-guess yourself. Just move on and be prepared next time.

 

Shake it off. Another one will come by. This time you have been doing your research and should be better prepared for the next opportunity.

 

I have a 351w block if you want it!

 

Thanks for the offer, but I think you are a little too far from me.

 

As far as the FMX transmission goes, they are damn good transmissions in my book. Mine is very close to breaking the 200,000 mile mark and still runs good. Only problem it has is the seal is dried out on the clutch pack so until the motor warms up (longer on some days than other) the transmission tends to not want to go into drive but will go into reverse right away.

The FMX though from my reading was derived from the Ford-O-Matic transmission from the '50s. The Mercury used Cruise-O-Matics but they were the same transmission basically. Nice thing is in the '50s they were called two speeds but they actually had three speeds unlike their '60s counterparts that just had two speeds. On the '50s models you always started out in 2nd gear and shift once to third gear. If you want a fast get away pressing harder on the throttle from a stand still would take off in 1st gear then shift to 2nd then 3rd. If you were already moving and you wanted to pass someone the transmission would downshift to 1st gear long as you were below 50-60 mph.

The C6 is a good transmission also but from my reading they take quite a bit of power to spin. I think thats why my F150 with a 302 and C6 transmission feels so much more sluggish than my XR7 with a 351w and FMX transmission. The HP difference isnt much to be honest, I am sure the 302 is only pushing somewheres around 120 to 130 hp where my 351W is only pushing 145 hp.

Now if you want to get something good seek out the late late model 351W`s they were roller blocks I believe it is '95. I might be wrong but its either '92-'93 or '95. Been a while since I looked at them but they are a pain to find though and command high prices when they are found.

 

I have something to say about the C6 and power consumption. From what I read they take 65 HP. Mine feels fine, although I was 210 HP stock and am now beyond that, not sure how much. But by a fair amount. I can also testify that our Dodge van with a 318, and 727 torqueflite feels much different off the line than my truck. And that engine has way less power in a heavier vehicle than my truck. And still feels lighter at times. Supposedly they only take 45HP. But they are very similar, as the C6 was copied from the 727 after Chrysler wouldn't sell it to Ford. From what I read. However, I think the C6 has the edge over the 727 as far as durability goes.

 

The C6 is very durable. My F150 pulled a trailer for years that exceeded her capacities but the transmission has never been rebuilt.

 

The C6 is regarded to be one of the best automatic transmissions ever made. Mine has 232,000 on it and it is the last thing to the truck that's not been rebuilt.

 

I had a 73 Galaxy 500 with the FMX behind a 351C. That big boat would fly down the hwy. I could run the guts out of stock Mustangs on the top end. I would have everyone in the car cracking up laughing when they would see that big rusty boat pull away from those 5.0's.


I miss that car. It rode like a dream too.

 

Alright, well I found a running 82 f150 that I am going to use to swap into my truck.

Strong 351w with a smooth shifting c6. 90,000 miles. The engine has a brand new HEI distributer that was installed 2 wks ago.

Here is what I am thinking of doing before swapping the engine in:

New Carb
Air Intake
Cam
timing chain
headers
oil pump
water pump
valve job
all new gaskets and seals


I want the truck to be a town cruiser, etc. No need to be a dragster but I still want some oomph there.

I also don't want to break the bank on this, but will spend the necessary money to have a dependable engine.

Any reccommendations on carbs, cams, intakes, and headers? Do I need a double roller timing chain (if so do I need a new sproket and gear?)? So many questions.

My initial thoughts are:
Edelbrock 1405 carb
Edelbrock performer intake
no clue on cam
no clue on headers


any advice or pointers are greatly appreciated.

 

STAY AWAY from the 6912-HKR hooker long tube headers. I have them and had fitment problems with the C6 transmission when you put a pipe on it.

What kind of cam? do you want a smooth or slightly lopey idle?

 

Not sure. I just really don't know much at all about cams and the more I read the more confused I get.

I really just want the truck to have some nice punch.

 

Cams are simple, at least for me there is. And I have some major learning problems in some areas, particularly with math. So, you want the engine to have some good power. What RPM range do you want the power to start at? what type of idle do you want? smooth, lopey, etc? what kind of cylinder head work or swaps are you going to do? what is your overall goal with the engine/truck?

 

The heads will be stock, I am just going to have a valve job done on them.

Idle: not real sure on smooth vs Lopey, I am not opposed to a little bit of a rough idle as long as it isn't too terrible.

Rpm range: good low end power and mid range. High end power isn't as important I guess. Ill do some hwy driving but no racing or anything.

Overall goal is just to have an engine/ truck that is fun to drive but is dependable. I don't want to feel like I'm driving my daily driver, I want to feel something when I hit the gas. I don't see myself doing much towing.

I also want it to sound good and look good.