1979 F150 engine swap
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1979 F150 engine swap
I recently bought a RWD 1979 F-150 Ranger rolling chassis in very good condition. My plan is to build a nice 460 to put in it, but while I do that, I want to put in a smaller motor to putter around town in.
I happen have a 289 that came out of a 1965 Mustang , as well as a small block C6 that came out if a RWD 1977 F 150 behind a 302.
I know that 289s and 302s are virtually identical, so, theoretically, the 289 should bolt up to the C6, even though this motor/tranny combo never existed in production.
I think that's why I'm having a little trouble finding info for this swap. I also need to buy a flexplate for the 289, and since 289s only came in front of C4s, I'm worried about a stock Mustang flexplate being compatible with the C6. I also wonder if stock F150 302 flexplate would be the correct balance for the older 289.
Is what I'm planning possible? Or am I missing some insurmountable incompatibility that will doom my plan to failure?
I happen have a 289 that came out of a 1965 Mustang , as well as a small block C6 that came out if a RWD 1977 F 150 behind a 302.
I know that 289s and 302s are virtually identical, so, theoretically, the 289 should bolt up to the C6, even though this motor/tranny combo never existed in production.
I think that's why I'm having a little trouble finding info for this swap. I also need to buy a flexplate for the 289, and since 289s only came in front of C4s, I'm worried about a stock Mustang flexplate being compatible with the C6. I also wonder if stock F150 302 flexplate would be the correct balance for the older 289.
Is what I'm planning possible? Or am I missing some insurmountable incompatibility that will doom my plan to failure?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yeah, that's my #1 concern. If the stock '65 Mustang flexplate bolts up to the C6, I'll be golden. If not, I'll have a whole can of worms to contend with.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 858
Likes: 118
From: Buffalo NY
The first thing to check is the bellhousing bolt pattern. In mid -year 1965,Ford changed from a 5 bolt bellhousing to a 6 bolt. As long as you have a 6 bolt block the c-6 will bolt up. As for the flywheel I'm not sure if the 65 will bolt to the c-6, the bolt pattern of the converter studs may be different. If it is, the one for the 77 should work. I know Ford changed the balance on the 302,but I think it was in the mid 80's. Also, measure the pilot diameter of the converter and crank and make sure they are the same. The 65 could have had a c-4, or a cruise-o-matic,which was like an FMX.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
302/C6 introduced in 1978 F100/150, but the 302/C4 was also available. C6 uses as different flexplate than C4.
No such thing as FMX until 1969. 1964/68 Galaxie 289 could have a C4 or FX Cruise-O-Matic, all other cars with 289's only available with C4.
No such thing as FMX until 1969. 1964/68 Galaxie 289 could have a C4 or FX Cruise-O-Matic, all other cars with 289's only available with C4.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yeah, that's my error, this 77 C6 was behind a 351W, not a 302 (when I said I "have" the tranny, I meant it's sitting in my father's pole barn).
The six bolt Windsor pattern should still bolt up, and from the responses here and a little more digging, I think I could mate the two if I put a C6 flexplate from a 302/351W, with the matching torque converter bolt pattern, and a 28oz imbalance on the 289.
The only thing left I think is needing either a 164 or 157 tooth wheel. Have to get the transmission and do some research.
Thanks for the great responses so far.
The six bolt Windsor pattern should still bolt up, and from the responses here and a little more digging, I think I could mate the two if I put a C6 flexplate from a 302/351W, with the matching torque converter bolt pattern, and a 28oz imbalance on the 289.
The only thing left I think is needing either a 164 or 157 tooth wheel. Have to get the transmission and do some research.
Thanks for the great responses so far.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
a-stei34
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jun 29, 2015 09:10 PM
400Nut
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Aug 12, 2006 11:37 AM
pat ellis
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Dec 31, 2003 01:26 PM
JoeBlow
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
6
Mar 23, 2003 11:17 PM
