engine alternatives
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engine alternatives
I have a 1950 f-1 with a 1965 289 in it with a C 4 transmission. It is for my 15 year old daughter. I would like some suggestions on replacing the 289 with a newer fuel efficient motor. I would like to keep it a large 6 cly or small 8 cyl. Any help would be appriciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Friendswood, Texas
You could look for a more modern fuel injected V8 with the electronics to control everything. Late 80's to late 90's. These engines are very dependable but many folks are scared off by the electronics. I'm thinking of going this route since the engine may be cheaper if I can find a good wreck. If you want a real project, you could try to find a nice running diesel and drop it in but this will likely require some front end/suspension mods.
If your 50 is a runner with the 289, I would be inclined to keep it that way, especially if the engine is good shape. The 289 is a good dependable engine. Leaving it as is, with the less fuel efficient 289, may not be all that bad a thing for a new driver and I speak from experience. It will keep her "unnecessary" driving to a minimum.
Oh yea - Welcome to FTE.
If your 50 is a runner with the 289, I would be inclined to keep it that way, especially if the engine is good shape. The 289 is a good dependable engine. Leaving it as is, with the less fuel efficient 289, may not be all that bad a thing for a new driver and I speak from experience. It will keep her "unnecessary" driving to a minimum.
Oh yea - Welcome to FTE.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
I have a EFI 302 in my 55'. I have been very happy with it. IF EFI is not your cup of tea I would recommend finding a low mileage 302 in a 1999-2002 Explorer or Mountaineer in a salvage yard and swapping the top end over to a carb setup and grabbing an AOD Tranny while you're at for gas mileage and less wear and tear on the engine. Best wishes whatever you decide.
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Cargo Master
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Near Fresno, California
In 1965 that 289 with low compression heads and a 2 bbl carb was Ford's most fuel efficient engine. My dad had one in a full sized car that would get 21 mpg - and they would do almost as well in a pickup.
I would look at making what I had work and be dependable - I don't think you will get enough better mileage by upgrading to justify the expense and work - plus the modern engine controls are much more complicated.
I would look at making what I had work and be dependable - I don't think you will get enough better mileage by upgrading to justify the expense and work - plus the modern engine controls are much more complicated.
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Thanks to all you guys for your advise. At least now I feel I have some options. I would like to ask another question. How can I tell if I have an altinator or genorator on this 289? I plan on rewiring the whole truck but how do I tell if its a 6v or been changed with the 289 to a 12 volt?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Near Fresno, California
Generator is a big black cylinder, alt is smaller, shorter and aluminum. Look at the battery to see if it is a 12 volt system - a 12 volt battery has 6 compartments, a six volt will have 3. You could also look at one of the light bulbs to see if it was 6volt or 12.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Good advice from all. You have to look at the ecomomics of the whole picture: if you could possibly gain 10mpg over what the truck gets now (that would be VERY optimistic with a 4K# truck, <5 mpg would likely be the best you'll do with an engine swap) and she drives say 5K miles per year how many real dollars are you going to save in gas costs vs the cost of the upgrade? The most cost effective way to increase gas milege would be adding an OD tranny and/or replacing the rear end with a higher (numerically lower) gear ratio. My panel gets excellent milege (25-27) not because of engine size (400 cu in) but because it has a 6 speed tranny with double OD 0.5:1 high gear. Driving style will affect the gas milege most of all, and it doesn't cost anything to improve.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
I agree with ***** and AX, stay with the current set-up. The 289 is a dang good engine and can be very economical. Maybe de-tune it a bit to help deter the teen from the occasional "excessive display of speed" as the cops around here used to call it when they wrote out my tickets.
If the engine isn't stock, you might swap the 2 brl intake back on it complete with the old Motorcraft 2 brl carb and.
I'm sure she will enjoy it no matter what.
Welcome to the board!
Bobby
If the engine isn't stock, you might swap the 2 brl intake back on it complete with the old Motorcraft 2 brl carb and.
I'm sure she will enjoy it no matter what.
Welcome to the board!
Bobby
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
Originally Posted by WillyB
In 1965 that 289 with low compression heads and a 2 bbl carb was Ford's most fuel efficient engine. My dad had one in a full sized car that would get 21 mpg - and they would do almost as well in a pickup.
I would look at making what I had work and be dependable - I don't think you will get enough better mileage by upgrading to justify the expense and work - plus the modern engine controls are much more complicated.
I would look at making what I had work and be dependable - I don't think you will get enough better mileage by upgrading to justify the expense and work - plus the modern engine controls are much more complicated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Minnesota