I am looking for a 1967-1975 F-250 4x4 4 speed, because smog exempt in california is 1975 and older. I have heard good things about Fes and wther engines. I want at least 10 mpg. I think I am interested in stock displacement because I do not want to put more than 2500 dolars into the engine. I am for lots of torque and enough hp for mudd and street. I would not go and smaller than a 351, aBUt think that I am better off with a 390, 400, or 460. I want dependability, I think I prefer premium because I think it is cleaneer and better for a engine, I want headers for deep tone, mabe some pertronix.

This will be my first truck I do not want this to cost me more than $5000 but I think $6000 is more realistic, most of the trucks I have seen for 700-1300$ are beaten and I want something with a straight body and minimal if any rust, I have seen nice trucks rebuilt 4x4, 460 ,4 speed for around $5000-$7000 so I figure I should plan on spending at least $3500 on the truck itself then $2500 to build a 390 or 460 or whatever I build.

I just want you guys to tell me what you think I should do.

THanks...

 

I am partial to the 460. the 1968 through 1970 460's were definately premium fueling engines and ran higher compression ratio's. My 1974 F250 4x4 is sporting a 1968 460 with stock pistons (flat tops would put the compression through the roof) and a decent cam. With this set up, I should be able to run 87 octane at my elevation. When I am done putting it all back together, she will do everything I need her to do with decent mileage.

 

390 would be my choice.

Lots of torque
the 400 upgraded is okay by the oiling system sucks
THe 460 unless it's a 69-71 would be a dog on fuel.

I already have a 429 from the laste 60's but I gathered up special parts for at least a year before the swap.

 

Your 10 mpg goal may be a bit optimistic. My old F150 4x4 had a bone stock 351M with a 4 spd and before I lifted it I would get 10 mpg - 12 tops on the highway holding a steady 60 mph. I worked with guys who knew these trucks better than I did and said I got really good mileage for the truck and said it could improve with a set of headers, dual exhaust and a 650cfm vacuum secondary 4V to replace the stock 500cfm 2V carb. Unfortunately, I had to sell the truck before I was able to do this.

Personally, when I'm ready to buy another 78/79 4x4, I plan to look for a 460 4 spd. Gas mileage will not really be a concern... more so power, reliability and ease of maintenance. Look for a truck with dual tanks. It was annoying filling the rear 20 gallon tank every 200 miles.

 

I have been interested to buildup a 400 I think it could do well but I know that the 390 and 460 work, I could just buy a 428 crank to drop in the 360 that is common on these trucks or just keep it simple and keep stock displacement do Fe's make more torque pe cubic inch?

 

Huntersbo,
If your on a very low budget and particular about what you get, my best advice is Be Patient! Finding a specific vehicle with specific options and rust free in a used market is like the needle in the haystack. Sometimes its cheaper to get a clunker and build it to your specs, other times its cheaper to find one that someone dumped two marriages and a mortgage into and need to sell quick. Depends on your budget and what you want to do with it. Happy Hunting.

 

I'd find the truck with the nicest body/frame/interior/paint and upgrade the engine later if you need to/want to. Engine swaps are easier and cheaper than bodywork

 

Hey Ian, how did you get 10-12 mpg's? I got a stock 351m and I get 8mpg's on the highway at 60mph. yea thats 8!! it's all stock too.

 

Check the Read First thread made by Torque1st at the top of the forum.

In it, is a Fuel economy post to explain what affects fuel economy.

 

Alot of people talk badly about the 360 but I have found it to be a great engine. Granted it is no hot rod, ( thats why I have a mustang GT) but it does everything I want it to do. I havent had any trouble towing my boat, (27' cuddy cabin w/ twin 302's) pulling hill climbs out on the trails or sludging through mud holes. It is basicly bone stock except for headers a super coil and duraspark ignition. I run the stock 2bbl carb and run it on 87 octane all day. I dont know for shure but most people with 4wd FE's claim to get around 10 mpg, check the fe forum on that for shure though. In a nut shell I'm very pleased with my 360....besides it's a classic!

 

I had a 75 4x4 with a 360 that was pretty much junk when I got it. I rebuilt a 390 and put it in and was very happy with it. I alway got 9 MPG no matter what I was doing. If you don't care about milage, would recommend the 390. Good luck!!

 

i have a 75 f-150 supercab bought for 1850 it was almost pefect body wise no rust the engine was replaced with a 428 built for extreme torque with the 3.00 gears it only turns 1,200 doing 60 mph and with a good intake and ignition i get about 10 mpg in town 13 freeway

 

i got a 77 150 with a 351m but it has a whole new intake and headers it gets about 10 mpg. but it scoots

 

add 1976's to your list, my 77 should never need anouther check and be exempt in 11months 15 days and counting.

 

no i think you forgot about the new law 1976 and newer vehicles will never be exempt because of the bill the governer signed.it really sucks so does california laws and taxes

here it is from the dmv website

Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a Smog Check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program

Legislation enacted during 2004 made several changes in motor vehicle Smog Check exemptions that will become effective next year. Following is a summary of the revised exemptions and the effective date of each change:

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 6 or less model-years old will be exempt from the biennial Smog Check inspection requirement. For vehicles with registration renewals due in the 2005 calendar year, this exemption includes model-years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Beginning January 1, 2005, vehicles 4 or less model-years old will be exempt from the Smog Check inspection requirement upon change of ownership and transfer of title transactions with DMV. In 2005, this exemption includes model-years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption will be repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.

Beginning April 1, 2005, vehicles being initially registered in California that were previously registered in another state will be exempt if the vehicle is a 1975 and older model-year vehicle. Newer vehicles, the first 6 model years, are not exempted upon initial registration in California. These vehicles are required to undergo a Smog Check Inspection