PACKAJET SWAP
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PACKAJET SWAP
Bought a killer 79 (we think) 460 Berkeley Packajet from a single engine race boat. It's been converted to run in a truck (somewhat) but let's pretend it's come straight from the boat. What needs to be changed to make it work? Some stuff has been swapped I'm just curious as to what exactly NEEDS to be done so I can sit down and look at it before I go off and buy a truck to put it in lol anyone ever done this swap before? I'm clueless about this specific engine let alone marine engines. I got it dirt cheap and it's got tons of new performance parts and hasn't even been assembled since it left the machine shop. I looked up a lot of the parts and it's got money dumped into it. The new freeze plugs cost more than I paid for it. My buddy who I got it from is ticked off because once we stripped it down he saw it had new parts including a very big beautiful cam 
I wanna throw it in a early to mid 80s F150. Any advice and input is greatly appreciated.
I wanna throw it in a early to mid 80s F150. Any advice and input is greatly appreciated.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
All I know about marine engines is that they are designed heavy duty because they run wide open for long periods of time. Their cooling systems are weird since they suck water out of the body of water that the boat is sitting in. Unless they are setup for salt water, which in that case they have a heat exchanger and are more conventional. They also have special carbs and fuel systems to keep fuel leaks to a minimum while in the enclosed engine compartment.
I have heard guys on here talking about a place called L & L that sells conversion pieces to put a 460 into a f150.
I have heard guys on here talking about a place called L & L that sells conversion pieces to put a 460 into a f150.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I think the first thing you need to check is that that "big, beautiful cam" is ground for conventional rotation.
Not sure how a Berkley jet is driven.
What makes you think it's a 1979?
Does it have a D9TE block casting number?
This would indicate external balance.... but even my '87 truck has a D9 block.
Over on the 460Ford forum, moderator and guru Paul Kane builds jet boat engines and probably knows more about your engine than any of us.
Not sure how a Berkley jet is driven.
What makes you think it's a 1979?
Does it have a D9TE block casting number?
This would indicate external balance.... but even my '87 truck has a D9 block.
Over on the 460Ford forum, moderator and guru Paul Kane builds jet boat engines and probably knows more about your engine than any of us.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,940
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From: Angier, NC
I think the first thing you need to check is that that "big, beautiful cam" is ground for conventional rotation.
Not sure how a Berkley jet is driven.
What makes you think it's a 1979?
Does it have a D9TE block casting number?
This would indicate external balance.... but even my '87 truck has a D9 block.
Over on the 460Ford forum, moderator and guru Paul Kane builds jet boat engines and probably knows more about your engine than any of us.
Not sure how a Berkley jet is driven.
What makes you think it's a 1979?
Does it have a D9TE block casting number?
This would indicate external balance.... but even my '87 truck has a D9 block.
Over on the 460Ford forum, moderator and guru Paul Kane builds jet boat engines and probably knows more about your engine than any of us.
I don't know if they do a plug wire firing swap on the 460 or not or if done on a boat motor 460 so something else to look into.
Dave ----
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Other advice, 460's weren't found in '80's trucks until 1983.
It's going to be a LOT easier to use a truck that already has the proper engine perches, frame crossmember, radiator, bellhousing pattern, etc...
It's going to be a LOT easier to use a truck that already has the proper engine perches, frame crossmember, radiator, bellhousing pattern, etc...
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,940
Likes: 4,125
From: Angier, NC
The 83> parts should fit the <82 frames as they should be the same no?
Oh right the cross member to oil filter issue so would need a oil filter relocate kit.
I still think 80> truck is doable for a 460 motor.
Dave ----
Oh right the cross member to oil filter issue so would need a oil filter relocate kit.
I still think 80> truck is doable for a 460 motor.
Dave ----
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,298
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From: NJ
You'll need a water pump, maybe a timing cover depending on what's on it. Remove all the coolant plumbing and set it up like normal for a car or truck. Jet drives typically take pressurized water from the bowl and feed the block with it, using valves (manual, pressure relief, or a combination) to get it set up to run at an acceptable temperature and not lift a head from too much pressure.
Beyond that, should just be the normal stuff. You won't find a reverse rotation engine in front of a berkeley pump. There's really nothing special about the packaging of a marine engine, it's mostly bolt on stuff. You will want to check the cam is appropriate for your intended use, as many jets are cammed for higher RPM without regard for torque down low.
Beyond that, should just be the normal stuff. You won't find a reverse rotation engine in front of a berkeley pump. There's really nothing special about the packaging of a marine engine, it's mostly bolt on stuff. You will want to check the cam is appropriate for your intended use, as many jets are cammed for higher RPM without regard for torque down low.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
But Dave, NO pre '83 truck is going to have the proper engine perches, radiator, bellhousing, springs ect to bolt that engine in.
If an 80-82 style is wanted it would be easier to swap the hood & grille onto a truck that was already set up for a 460.
If an 80-82 style is wanted it would be easier to swap the hood & grille onto a truck that was already set up for a 460.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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What about the oil pan and pick up? It's backwards and can't be flipped. Will that pump work if I get a factory style pick up and buy a different pan? It has what appears to be a secondary slot for another pickup I guess just run the factory one (vehicle) and block off the other ??? as for the early questions yes we decoded the block and what not. And yes the cam will work.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I think Bill Vose posted a link to the 460 rear sump pan with pickup, stud and gasket from Amazon.
I dont recall the part number but it did have the updated dipstick hole (which helps since the old style -like mine- tend to leak)
I dont recall the part number but it did have the updated dipstick hole (which helps since the old style -like mine- tend to leak)
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Yeah I looked into that imma have to have a rear one and I can't use my oil pump I don't think but it's weird it has 2 different adapters for it one goes straight down one is set up to run the factory style so I'm not 100% sure yet. I don't know if I need a new one or just buy the pickup. Also anyone familiar with the 292H10 cam??
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Yeah I looked into that imma have to have a rear one and I can't use my oil pump I don't think but it's weird it has 2 different adapters for it one goes straight down one is set up to run the factory style so I'm not 100% sure yet. I don't know if I need a new one or just buy the pickup. Also anyone familiar with the 292H10 cam??
This goes on the passenger side iirc..
I'm not familiar with that cam but when i punch that grind into Comps website it comes up as an equal duration grind for Chevy.
Someone must have ported the heck out of your exhaust ports for that grind to run well.
Do you know what valve sizes and compression this engine has?