Yeah, so I threw a piston rod. My 352 has a cracked golf ball sticking out of the side of the block. It leaks oil all over the place when it's on. Amazingly this thing is still cranking, but I figure I'm just running on a prayer right now and the thing is going to start pitching stuff at me. So the word is I need a new block. I'm going to put a nice 460 in it, someday, when I got the cash, but for right now, I have the option of buying a complete 1989 crown vic station wagon for CHEAP. (Yes, $100 worth of cheap). The body looks good for an 89 crown vic, but that'll get parted out when I'm done. So, my questions: This thing has a 5L engine in it, right? It's got an auto tranny, but I hate auto, so can I mate it to my new process four speed manual? How hard would that be and how hard would it be to mount it in my '65 f250 frame. I'm not scared of electrical work, I got that covered, so all I need to know is if this is going to work, and what parts I'll be needing? Thanks a lot!

-sam

 

Hi Sam, Bad idea. Nothing will bolt in or fit (but can be made to). I suggest you don't drive the truck unless it is in the yard. You should be able to find another FE (352, 360, 390) to stick in while you wait for your 460. I also think you would be very happy with a rebuilt 390. Nothing bolts to a FE driveline but a FE family engine.

John

 

I agree completely with John's opinion about ease of installation remaining FE if that's what's in there now. FE is very specific when it comes to what it fits & what fits it.

My personal opinion on proposed swap is it's not worth your work, effort & cost if you plan to leave an NP 4 Gear, Granny Tranny, in it. An 1989, 5.0L Windsor V8 is an EFI engine. In 89 EFI was sequential as in SEFI, it was still Speed Density based even tho' it used EEC IV processing. This engine is cammed & equipped to run as speed desnity controlled/ managed EFI and that's it.

If you do not run EFI it will need a cam, a distribuitor that's not TFI based & non EFI heads too, atleast. Even when that's been done 5.0L won't like pulling off in 2nd gear & low in a NP granny is good for pulling stumps, but not for shifting to 2nd on the fly.

To run EFI you get involved with fuel line pressures, a return line, some form of high PSI Pump, constant 12V power supply, like an alternator & digital regulator, see where this is going ?

If I was in your shoes, I'd sure enough grab the 5.0L EFI engine & AOD because that is a desirable package for many other applications. It can bring good money with right buyer. You do know the 89 5.0L V8 is a roller Engine, right? It has roller cam & lifters. With a B303 Roller cam & MAFS [Mass Air Flow Sensed] EFI system using a HO ECM it can be a potent powerplant. That combo is what GT Mustangs and other HO FoMoCo 5.0L engines are, basically. But they are not what a Slick engine with a NP 4 Gear is about at all.

With the right buyer you could finance your 460 project, or buy a fresh R-Con 390 or 428 FE to pop in there. . . . .

Just my opinion on what you're thinking about doing . . . .

FBp

 

The guy with the vic isn't ready to give it up, just yet. Unfortunately. So I guess I have to go to the junkyard and hope for cheap. I know I want to look out for lincolns, whats a good book for me to get to be able to tell just exactly what engine I'm looking at, when I go out there? Or am I just looking for a few specific cars and trucks? Thanks.

-sam