I've been fixing up on 73 - 79 ford pick ups for about 5 years. All of the trucks that I messed with either came with a 390, or I put one in. My current truck is a 73 swb with of course a 390. I am ready to start making some neck snapping torque. I found a 460 with a c6, both with 10,000 miles on a rebuild for $600. They came out of an 81 model van. They are currently in a 70 model f 100, so engine perches won't be a problem. The problem is that it does not have the correct power steering pump or bracket to work with my truck. The truck that its in does not have power steering or a/c, but he saved the brackets and accessories. I think I need to find a nother set of pulleys and brackets, but I have no idea what model of engine to look for. Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to fix this, or know what I need to start looking for? I don't know anything about 385 series engines and will be very thankfull for any advice that I recieve.

 

Look for a mid to late 70's F100 or you can go aftermarket. L&L is the name that is thrown around here the most for conversion kits and parts for the swap. Have you looked at maybe using your current setup on the 390 to work on the 460? I had to do that for my 460 when converting from a 351W. I also paid a arm and a leg for my pullies, March billet v-groves. I just wanted the look though. L&L Products is the name of the company I believe. You may want to talk to Perlator, can't remember his proper spelling sorry. He does have a pretty good knowledge base for 460 swaps.

 

Your existing power steering pump should bolt to the 460 brackets. I know Ford changed them at some point, but I think it was later. All the 70s era PS pumps I've seen have three bolts in the front of them that actually bolt the pump to the bracket.

Most PS pumps will interchange, anyway. The only critical point is the connection for the high pressure hose on the back of the pump. The return line just clamps on. So, as long as your high pressure line will screw on the pump, you can use it.

 

I'll try to find the mid to late 70's brackets. The pump that goes to the engine is not one of thos pumps the has the 3 bolts. It is one of those flat looking saginaw pumps. I think they were used in the vans to conserve space.

 

Well, at any rate, you'll need the same pump your truck already has. Just find some brackets. Anything between '71 and '81 should work.

 

Thanks a bunch. 71 to 81 is just what I needed to know for a little wrecking yard scrounging. Are there any paticulars I need to know about getting that 460 and c6 into my truck? Also, is there anything I should do to it before I put it in other than clean it and repaint it?

 

Do you have A/C ?

There is an AD regarding bracketry (w/AC) in the classifieds.

 

I realy appreciate that Mil1ion, however I live in Texas and old truck parts are a lot cheaper than that. I bought a set complete set of 74 model 302 brackets and pulleys at the local you pull it yard for $25.