Crate Motor Quest
Thread Starter
|
4wd High
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Crate Motor Quest
Hello,
I have a 74 F100 with a 360 motor, c6 trans and am looking to begin a project taking it from a farm truck to a street truck. I want to swap motors, improve the handling, lower it a bit to give it a more balanced stance, and a few other mods. I'm new to all this; this is my first stop in the process. I'm wondering what's the best crate motor for the money, and what will line up with my stock trans. I looked at Ford Racing website and wish I had the $$ for that. I have about $3500-$4000 for a motor. Any help with brand, family of motor, type, etc would be much appreciated.
I have a 74 F100 with a 360 motor, c6 trans and am looking to begin a project taking it from a farm truck to a street truck. I want to swap motors, improve the handling, lower it a bit to give it a more balanced stance, and a few other mods. I'm new to all this; this is my first stop in the process. I'm wondering what's the best crate motor for the money, and what will line up with my stock trans. I looked at Ford Racing website and wish I had the $$ for that. I have about $3500-$4000 for a motor. Any help with brand, family of motor, type, etc would be much appreciated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Farm truck to street truck? Why not both like I did with my '70??
Starting point: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ide-build.html
As it sits now: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15549275
A lot of stuff happened between the 1,237 posts!
Stick with an FE to keep things as streamlined as possible.
If the engine still runs decently, I say stick with only the typical upgrades like exhaust, intake, carb, and ignitions system. The 360 in my '70 only has 76K miles so I concentrated efforts towards suspension and drivetrain plus the typical engine bolt-ons... well, I skipped the carb and went TBI.
Starting point: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ide-build.html
As it sits now: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15549275
A lot of stuff happened between the 1,237 posts!
Stick with an FE to keep things as streamlined as possible.
If the engine still runs decently, I say stick with only the typical upgrades like exhaust, intake, carb, and ignitions system. The 360 in my '70 only has 76K miles so I concentrated efforts towards suspension and drivetrain plus the typical engine bolt-ons... well, I skipped the carb and went TBI.
Thread Starter
|
4wd High
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
That's a good way to look at it. Thanks for your common sense approach. I'm not sure how many miles are on the motor I have, but the odometer has turned over once and it says 35,000, so I'm assuming its got 135,000 on it. Not sure if its ever been rebuilt, or what it would need to get the RPM's up. As it is, it winds out at about 60 mph on the freeway. I bought it off my brother, who only owned it for a short time. He put a new manifold and carb on it, but its a leaky beast. If I were to stay with this motor, what is the best way to proceed in order to turn my farm motor into a street motor?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
What do you mean by "street motor"? Actually, let's use the term "engine"... what do you mean by street engine?
Since this is likely an ongoing project...Keep your rig on the road while upgrading the steering and suspension. But first do a compression check to evaluate its condition...Maybe pull and reseal it... a full engine gasket kit is about $100. It may be money well spent to extend its useful life.
And on the side consider building a separate 390FE.. Find on that needs to be rebuilt and have at it. maybe even consider a stroker kit from Survival for a 434FE or 445FE. The bottom end is strong already. Where FEs need help are the heads and exhaust. Look there for the most gains.
I've heard your vision for the truck but not really the plan which identifies the steps on getting there based on the condition of the truck. Does it really "need" an engine right now?
So, what is the plan? The outline and steps to achieve your vision?
Since this is likely an ongoing project...Keep your rig on the road while upgrading the steering and suspension. But first do a compression check to evaluate its condition...Maybe pull and reseal it... a full engine gasket kit is about $100. It may be money well spent to extend its useful life.
And on the side consider building a separate 390FE.. Find on that needs to be rebuilt and have at it. maybe even consider a stroker kit from Survival for a 434FE or 445FE. The bottom end is strong already. Where FEs need help are the heads and exhaust. Look there for the most gains.
I've heard your vision for the truck but not really the plan which identifies the steps on getting there based on the condition of the truck. Does it really "need" an engine right now?
So, what is the plan? The outline and steps to achieve your vision?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 877
Likes: 248
I'm in a similar situation actually, I have a 75 F100 4x4 with a 360.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I'm in a similar situation actually, I have a 75 F100 4x4 with a 360.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
The PO of my 4WD "73 had installed a 4v intake n carb but retained the stock manifolds with dual exhaust. I installed long tubes and opened it up with 2.5-inch tubing and those upgrades made a world of difference in power. Whoa.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 765
Likes: 13
From: Edmond, OK
I've considered purchasing a '04+ Crown Vic and using the front cross member and full drivetrain on my F-100. Possibly even a CNG car.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
4wd High
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I'm in a similar situation actually, I have a 75 F100 4x4 with a 360.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
The truck winding out in the freeway is likely a combination of no over drive and your gear ratio. Without a modern overdrive you're always going to want to keep it under 65-ish in my experience.
The main issue with the 360 is the exhaust is atrocious, and the compression ratio is somewhere around 8:1. If I were you, and its running well, I would try a 4bbl ,a good intake, and a set of headers. I'll bet you will be happy with those results, they really wake up.
Thread Starter
|
4wd High
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
What do you mean by "street motor"? Actually, let's use the term "engine"... what do you mean by street engine?
Since this is likely an ongoing project...Keep your rig on the road while upgrading the steering and suspension. But first do a compression check to evaluate its condition...Maybe pull and reseal it... a full engine gasket kit is about $100. It may be money well spent to extend its useful life.
And on the side consider building a separate 390FE.. Find on that needs to be rebuilt and have at it. maybe even consider a stroker kit from Survival for a 434FE or 445FE. The bottom end is strong already. Where FEs need help are the heads and exhaust. Look there for the most gains.
I've heard your vision for the truck but not really the plan which identifies the steps on getting there based on the condition of the truck. Does it really "need" an engine right now?
So, what is the plan? The outline and steps to achieve your vision?
Since this is likely an ongoing project...Keep your rig on the road while upgrading the steering and suspension. But first do a compression check to evaluate its condition...Maybe pull and reseal it... a full engine gasket kit is about $100. It may be money well spent to extend its useful life.
And on the side consider building a separate 390FE.. Find on that needs to be rebuilt and have at it. maybe even consider a stroker kit from Survival for a 434FE or 445FE. The bottom end is strong already. Where FEs need help are the heads and exhaust. Look there for the most gains.
I've heard your vision for the truck but not really the plan which identifies the steps on getting there based on the condition of the truck. Does it really "need" an engine right now?
So, what is the plan? The outline and steps to achieve your vision?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
An OD auto would be fairly difficult, as an E4OD requires a computer or separate controller. While they are available, it also wouldn't bolt up to the FE bell pattern. An AOD wouldn't require a computer but also wouldn't match the bell pattern. The OD manuals have the same prob as the AOD. The most efficient option would be to get a Gear vendors OD unit as that would keep the stock trans. It is expensive however, just your decision of if it's worth the dough
Thread Starter
|
4wd High
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the input. Lots to think about, but that's what makes it fun. I think I will keep what I have for now and focus on modifying the suspension and stearing, since the engine actually runs well.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FordFanboy
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
26
Dec 8, 2013 02:47 PM
boo-yaa138
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
2
Jan 20, 2009 04:00 PM