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This truck will be an occasional driver gas millage is not being considered. One thing to mention is this is at my Costa Rica home so typically the speed limit is 80 KM and that is when traffic is actually moving, so speed is not an issue. The 390 in it now is very tired, compression in one cylinder is very low, so it is time to do something. As I mentioned I have completely rebuilt this truck to immaculate condition, just because I had one new in 1974, You know the good old days!
only thing left is the engine
That is a very nice truck, and very well done. Having a 50 MPH speed limit and owning a truck like that? You must be a giant among ants in Costa Rica driving a highboy! My 2 cents, there is no reason to embark on swapping a 7.3 unless it's just because you can. A rebuilt 390 with a 6R80/6R100 seems to be the winning combo here and even that in Costa Rica seems way overkill. A side note, remember the 6r80 is a 1/2 ton transmission but it is very stout. If your towing very heavy then look into the 2019 and older 6R100. It has a higher torque rating and is installed in the F250 2019 and older gas engine equipped trucks. I haven't personally researched whether or not the PBH controller will work on it but the connector and pins are the same so one might imagine it's compatible. I used a 6R80 from a 2015 4x4 F150 and a 2017 F250 Superduty T-Case which bolted right up. I would also think the 10R80 that is in the new F150's would also be an option.
Thank you for your insight, yes I am leaning to keep the FE and rebuild it, though to do it properly it won't be cheep. However, for where I am it water over the dam. Again thank you and all the best of luck, This site has been helpful to get my thoughts around my next move.
FE heads do seem to cost a little more to rebuild than some. other than that there should be no difference than a 460 unless you get into serious performance where options are more limited.
If you go with the FE I would highly recommend you check out the FE technical forum. there are some real FE gurus there, some are top notch professional engine builders who give advice you can take to the bank.
Nice pickup, it would be a shame for that to not have an FE in it.
Having a 50 MPH speed limit and owning a truck like that? You must be a giant among ants in Costa Rica driving a highboy! My 2 cents, there is no reason to embark on swapping a 7.3 unless it's just because you can. A rebuilt 390 with a 6R80/6R100 seems to be the winning combo here and even that in Costa Rica seems way overkill. A side note, remember the 6r80 is a 1/2 ton transmission but it is very stout. If your towing very heavy then look into the 2019 and older 6R100. It has a higher torque rating and is installed in the F250 2019 and older gas engine equipped trucks. I haven't personally researched whether or not the PBH controller will work on it but the connector and pins are the same so one might imagine it's compatible. I used a 6R80 from a 2015 4x4 F150 and a 2017 F250 Superduty T-Case which bolted right up. I would also think the 10R80 that is in the new F150's would also be an option.
