I'm buying my grandfathers truck. It's a 1966 F250. Originally had a 352 in it. I was told he put a new 428 block in it when the 352 gave out. Rebuilt 427 heads, competition cam. Original crank - reground, carter afb carb, and 4bl edelbrauk. Original air cleaner and oil bath. My uncle said the engine was a 406. I probably won't do anything right off the bat, but am wondering what would be some good options for making it a true 428 or stroker down the road. I don't have any experience with these engines, and all the help would be appreciated. 48000 on the truck only 900 on the engine! It's been garaged for the past 20 years or so.

 

Welcome to FTE.

That doesn't look like an oil bath air cleaner. Have you taken it apart to see and to check it's condition?

If it's a 406, that would be a solid lifter motor with, as OEM, fairly high compression.

Does it run?

IMO if it's a 406 and it runs and runs good, and you are happy with the power, leave it be. Making it a 428 won't gain you much over a pumped up 406.

Of course, it could be a .030 over 352 also. A stroke check as described in the FAQs at the top of this forum may help you determine what you are dealing with.

 

My grandfather passed away back in May unexpectedly. So its hard to get any info on it. My uncle took it and put new wheels and tires on and has it running. I will be picking it up from him next week.

 

No reason to do anything to it until you know what you really have.

 

Very hard to guess what was done with no documentation. As mentioned a 406 would have a solid lifter cam and adjustable rockers, and the valve covers aren't 406 and won't work on a 406. They would work on a 428 or any other engine with hydraulic lifters. Air cleaner looks like the stock 352 oil bath with a 406 sticker added..

 

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Thanks for all the replies. I will update when I go pick it up. My uncle said he has a 1965 manual for it with some engine info. Hopefully my grandfather kept notes.
I've read the stock headers on these motors were really restrictive. So probably new headers and dual exhaust to start. Probably will switch out the oil bath for dry. Anything else that would be an easy upgrade for these motors?

 

The 65 manual will only cover info for a 352, none for a 406 or 428. It will be handy for other parts of the truck. Either one of those engines would be better off with headers. See if you can find the cylinder head numbers cast between the two center spark plug holes..

 

Bro, I'd say if anything like what has been described has been applied to that truck, I would enjoy it. If it is what is said, it should cause a big ol grin on your face if you romp on it. I do suggest not to do that until you are more sure of what you have.



John

 

Agree ^^^^^^^^!!! Chances are the engine components were very, very carefully considered when it was initially built and all (if any) of the bugs worked out......you have a real diamond there....enjoy it!!!!!!!!

 

428 block has the same bore as a 406 but allows one to use hydraulic lifters, if he reused to original 352 crank the engines basically a .125 over bored 352 that adds about 20 cubic inches making it a 372 ci engine.
To make it a 406 he would have had to install a 390 or 427 crank and rods.
With only 900 miles on the engine if it runs good drive it and enjoy the truck.
Personally I like a 406, I've built mine using a 428 block, 427 crank, Eagle rods, Ross custom flat top pistons and a mild hydraulic roller cam.

 

But,

With only 900 miles, the bore will be in perfect shape. No machine work would be required to turn it into a true 428 or to stroke it out to a 480...

 

Curious if you got one of the "newer" 406's with the cross bolted mains.

Since it now has 900ish miles, might want to run through the rocker arms and check lash...if it is a 406 which has the mechanical lifters. If you verify they're actually hydraulic then forget what I said.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. It would have been rebuilt sometime in the early 90's. I pick it up on Monday and then I will be more sure of what it is. I'll post some more pics and some numbers.

 

This is the 'standard equipment' oil bath used on 1963/64 F100/350 292's and 1965/67 F100/350 352's.

After 1967 and thru 1979, oil bath air cleaners were optional.