engine upgrade
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, NH
engine upgrade
my '96 F-150 currently houses a 4.9L I6, and as one can imagine, that just isn't enough. what other engines could i possibly get in there? maybe a diesel? the bigger the better.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: Penndel, PA
Any small block will squeeze in there pretty easily and still bolt to your existing trans. What are you looking to do with this truck? Towing? Speed? 4x4?
What trans do you have?
4wd or 2wd?
Could also tweak out the I6.....
What trans do you have?
4wd or 2wd?
Could also tweak out the I6.....
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, NH
i don't know what the exact trans is, i know it's a 5 speed, but that's it. i want it for all 3 really. it tows pretty good right now, but as it is, my 5th gear is almost useless b/c wind resistance overcomes the power of the engine, which is pathetic. i would like to be able to 80-90 mph whenever i'd like to, not just on a downhill with a tail wind. but i also do a lot of off roading, so i need plenty of power for that as well. i don't know if that carifies it any better. i don't know a whole lot about this stuff. but....... anyways, thanks for any help you can give me
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: Penndel, PA
Just an FYI for you, you have a Mazda M5OD trans.
I'd go with a 351 small block. Good torque off the line (helps with towing and off roading). Plenty of power to work with and plenty of upgrades available. It'll rev waaay higher than the I6 which will help on the highways quite a bit.
The weak link would be the trans. It'll take some work, but you can probably get a ZF trans from an F250 or 350 to bolt up. Are you 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
Search for ZF swap to get more info on that topic.
Are you looking to upgrade the new engine, or just a stock v8 replacement?
I'd go with a 351 small block. Good torque off the line (helps with towing and off roading). Plenty of power to work with and plenty of upgrades available. It'll rev waaay higher than the I6 which will help on the highways quite a bit.
The weak link would be the trans. It'll take some work, but you can probably get a ZF trans from an F250 or 350 to bolt up. Are you 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
Search for ZF swap to get more info on that topic.
Are you looking to upgrade the new engine, or just a stock v8 replacement?
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, NH
it is currently a 2wd, but i am looking to convert it to 4wd. i plan on putting in a new engine and modifing it, so i think that a 351 would do fine. about the ZF trans, i assume that is a manual? BTW, thanks for your help on this.
