Recommendations
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Comfort, TX
Recommendations
As a new member, I am amazed at the wealth of knowledge available on this site. Unfortunately I am a newbie with a newly purchased 1950 F-1 which is all original except for the wheels. I want to change out the drivetrain and suspension and am comteplating the following options:
Ford 302 "F" with CTI Mustang II IFS and new rear end. The folks as TCI just competed a similar project and recommended a 96 or newer Explorer rear end.
Chevy 283 with same IFS. Not sure about the rear end for this one.
As for transmissions, I would really love to have a manual 4 speed floor shift but everyone I talk to says it is very difficult to get the linkages right. The only other option is automatic (C4 I guess)
Any comments will be appreicated. Take it easy on my since this is my first project.
Ford 302 "F" with CTI Mustang II IFS and new rear end. The folks as TCI just competed a similar project and recommended a 96 or newer Explorer rear end.
Chevy 283 with same IFS. Not sure about the rear end for this one.
As for transmissions, I would really love to have a manual 4 speed floor shift but everyone I talk to says it is very difficult to get the linkages right. The only other option is automatic (C4 I guess)
Any comments will be appreicated. Take it easy on my since this is my first project.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 558
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From: Limestone, TN
Woodsman
A FORD motor is the right choice. I have a 'girly' 302 in mine does a great job. It will cruise at interstate speed and still do 15 to 17 mpg.
351 will give you more punch the choice is up to you as both are a good choice. A 283 in my mind isn't evern a consideration.
A C4 or and AOD is a good transmission choice with the 302 or 351. If you go with the BIG MOTORS, like some here will try to tell you to do, ( they have relatives in the oil business) you will have a screaming machine but you will need the C6.
The rear with out a doubt a would recommend a Ford 9".
A FORD motor is the right choice. I have a 'girly' 302 in mine does a great job. It will cruise at interstate speed and still do 15 to 17 mpg.
351 will give you more punch the choice is up to you as both are a good choice. A 283 in my mind isn't evern a consideration.
A C4 or and AOD is a good transmission choice with the 302 or 351. If you go with the BIG MOTORS, like some here will try to tell you to do, ( they have relatives in the oil business) you will have a screaming machine but you will need the C6.
The rear with out a doubt a would recommend a Ford 9".
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 244
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From: Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
Its not a good idea to discuss Ch%@y motors here and you may get a unamimous recommendation to go Ford in a Ford. I feel that a "girlie" Ford small block is entirely adequate in an F-100 and a 5.0 with a T5 manual from a Mustang would do the job nicely especially if you are considering EFI. I believe that an 8.8 rear out of any late model Ford would do the job as well unless you plan on visiting the drag strip on a regular basis. Then a 9" would be the choice.
Last edited by PJS55; Apr 22, 2004 at 05:53 PM. Reason: spelling
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,440
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Ford engine in your Ford truck is the only proper way to go. I am putting a 302 in my 56 Mercury with a front suspention from a 80 Mercury car, C4 and a 9 inch rear end from a 59 Ford 1/2 ton.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
54 with a 289/c4 out of a 67 Mustang. When I see a Ford truck with a ch**y motor I think "this guy went cheap." It may not be the case, but that is still what I think. Also, for some reason, the chevy motors seem to all run very rich. As they drive through the cruis-ins their exhaust is lethal. 
Go with a ford. Be proud Blue. John
Go with a ford. Be proud Blue. John
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by Jag Red 54
54 with a 289/c4 out of a 67 Mustang. When I see a Ford truck with a ch**y motor I think "this guy went cheap." It may not be the case, but that is still what I think. Also, for some reason, the chevy motors seem to all run very rich. As they drive through the cruis-ins their exhaust is lethal. Go with a ford. Be proud Blue. John
Go with a ford. Be proud Blue. John
These guys do go cheap with a generic motor. Nothing bugs me more than Ford tuff with ch**y stuff. Just ruins what could have been perfect.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Comfort, TX
agree with the Ford in Ford view but I was just exploring all options. I found a nice 289 with C4. Do you think that would be sufficient versus a 302? How many horsepower does the 289 have?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
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From: Valley Center, CA
I'm not sure on the HP rating of both engines. I would suppose that the 302 would have a few extra. My 289 runs real good and will chirp the tires without much effort. Both engines are almost twins of each other. I doubt that you could tell the difference in the way they run. Putting a lot of HP in these trucks is often frustrating for the proud new owner of the mongo-sized engine. Without weight in the rear to keep the tires from burning off, they are too light. Many a post on FTE have asked for help with things like traction bars, etc. For general driving, the 289/302 is fine in my book. If you don't mind buying the extra fuel, then go for a 351. If money is no object, then the sky is the limit: 428, 429, 460, blower, etc. They will all fit. 
The big blocks will require a much better cooling system as well as a bigger fuel tank. 
Good luck, John
The big blocks will require a much better cooling system as well as a bigger fuel tank. Good luck, John
Last edited by Jag Red 54; Apr 27, 2004 at 09:42 AM. Reason: grammer
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by Woodsman_30350
agree with the Ford in Ford view but I was just exploring all options. I found a nice 289 with C4. Do you think that would be sufficient versus a 302? How many horsepower does the 289 have?
carb if you don`t want to mess with the computer wiring. Like this motor in my 88 Cobra Mustang, lots of power and up to 27 mph.