Which engine to "Build"
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Which engine to "Build"
I'm looking to start a project. If I wanted muscle car power from a stock Ford block, of course boring and stroking could be an option, which engine is best to start with? What should I look for in a late 70's F-150 as far as engine/trans/rear end go?
I was thinking that the 302ci would offer lot's of flexibility, just not sure of the potential with smaller displacement. I've also found a few trucks with the 400ci, any comments or recommendations are surely appreciated.
I have no idea what I'm getting into, just an urge to jump into a rebuild project on a late 70's F-150 with intentions of making it fast/powerful.
Thanks.
Ben
I was thinking that the 302ci would offer lot's of flexibility, just not sure of the potential with smaller displacement. I've also found a few trucks with the 400ci, any comments or recommendations are surely appreciated.
I have no idea what I'm getting into, just an urge to jump into a rebuild project on a late 70's F-150 with intentions of making it fast/powerful.
Thanks.
Ben
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
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From: Littleton, CO
Wellll... We will gladly spend you money here 
You really need to sit down with a plan of attach, deciding what you want to do or get out of the vehicle, how much you want to spend and how much work you are willing to undertake. The mid-late 70 trucks came with a variety, actually all engine sizes available. They can all be made to make some great power. Of course, if you plan on going big, start big, you may not find yourself wondering "what if" when you near the end of the project... There are +'s and -'s to each engine, and if you ask, we will all chime in with a preference. Don't forget to factor into your equation you are working with a truck. The unfortunate side effect of a powerfull engine is sometimes not a faster truck, as the traction limitations really hold you back (I have a story of one of our boys running a 448 stroker to high 13's). Keep feeding us info and watch out
--Mike
You really need to sit down with a plan of attach, deciding what you want to do or get out of the vehicle, how much you want to spend and how much work you are willing to undertake. The mid-late 70 trucks came with a variety, actually all engine sizes available. They can all be made to make some great power. Of course, if you plan on going big, start big, you may not find yourself wondering "what if" when you near the end of the project... There are +'s and -'s to each engine, and if you ask, we will all chime in with a preference. Don't forget to factor into your equation you are working with a truck. The unfortunate side effect of a powerfull engine is sometimes not a faster truck, as the traction limitations really hold you back (I have a story of one of our boys running a 448 stroker to high 13's). Keep feeding us info and watch out
--Mike
Last edited by Mike G; Nov 11, 2004 at 10:17 AM.
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Mike,
Thanks for the input. I figured I'd ask y'all to help me devise a plan of attack. I could see putting anywhere from $10k-$20k into a truck, including purchase price.
I decided that 2wd will be the way to go, since I want more of a street rod/performance final product.
I like the lowerred/performance look.
I'd like to plan incremental upgrades so that I can drive the vehicle throughout the process to appreciate individual changes.
Is there a rule of thumb to start with bodywork/aesthetics (including interior) or powertrain/performance first?
Thanks,
Ben
Thanks for the input. I figured I'd ask y'all to help me devise a plan of attack. I could see putting anywhere from $10k-$20k into a truck, including purchase price.
I decided that 2wd will be the way to go, since I want more of a street rod/performance final product.
I like the lowerred/performance look.
I'd like to plan incremental upgrades so that I can drive the vehicle throughout the process to appreciate individual changes.
Is there a rule of thumb to start with bodywork/aesthetics (including interior) or powertrain/performance first?
Thanks,
Ben
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 525
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From: Floriduh
I would get a 351w and stroke it to 427 and build the heck out of it. Put the right gears in the rearend and the right trans in it, it'll go low 13's to mid 12's on the motor...add some Nitrous...hehe....only about a 125 shot, and you'll be in the low 11's and high 10's if your lucky. good luck.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
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From: Littleton, CO
Originally Posted by martinbs
I decided that 2wd will be the way to go, since I want more of a street rod/performance final product.
I like the lowerred/performance look.
I'd like to plan incremental upgrades so that I can drive the vehicle throughout the process to appreciate individual changes.
Is there a rule of thumb to start with bodywork/aesthetics (including interior) or powertrain/performance first?
I like the lowerred/performance look.
I'd like to plan incremental upgrades so that I can drive the vehicle throughout the process to appreciate individual changes.
Is there a rule of thumb to start with bodywork/aesthetics (including interior) or powertrain/performance first?
--Mike
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Thanks for the advice on fuel tank location, and thoughts about motor swapping.
I had though of a mid-sixties vehicle, but realize now that some of the ammenities for the later models will go a long way.
-Ben
I had though of a mid-sixties vehicle, but realize now that some of the ammenities for the later models will go a long way.
-Ben
