swaping in a 390
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Nashville USA
swaping in a 390
hello, in my 79 F100 i currently have a 302 in it and would like to swap it out for a 390. what all do i need to do this except for the engine and tranny? BTW its a automatic.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
swaping in a 390
RebelMike, you'll need a differant tranny, one that has the FE bell on the front. There are lots of C6s out there in trucks and late 60s cars that will fit. You might want a bigger radiator too. You will need the engine mounts and perches for a 1976 truck. The FE came in these trucks from 67-76, maybe even earlier, and the front part of the frame is the same on your 79 as the earlier trucks. It will almost drop right in. DF
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
swaping in a 390
Mike adding to DF (btw DF the FE was first introduced in 65 to the F series) get a FE C6 from a truck, there is a shifting arm issue that you can avoid. I would suggest a donor truck with 360, C6, ps, and same wheel base. Those things are critical. Rebuild the 360 as a 390, and freshen the tranny while you have it out. 
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John
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 161
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swaping in a 390
what about the emissions? since the 390 was never installed after '76, isn't he going to run into trouble getting it inspected, if the inspector knows what he's looking at?
(unless you live in south carolina, that is-)
(unless you live in south carolina, that is-)
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
swaping in a 390
Sam, You may be on to something there, I don't stop and think about emmissions like I should.
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John
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[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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John
jowilker email me
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 161
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swaping in a 390
yeah, i'm not sure about how strict other states are, but i get slapped around like a red-headed step-child every time i try to get my '68 inspected...and it's pre-emissions!
i'd hate to go to all the trouble of swapping the motor, just to have the man refuse to give me a sticker.
if it were me, and i wanted to swap a motor into a '79, i'd use one that was available from the factory- say, a 400.
i'd hate to go to all the trouble of swapping the motor, just to have the man refuse to give me a sticker.
if it were me, and i wanted to swap a motor into a '79, i'd use one that was available from the factory- say, a 400.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Nashville USA
swaping in a 390
Thank for all the info. the engine im buying was just rebuilt and never run. it comes with a C6 tranny. Also where i live i sould not have a problem with any emisions. Now about the shifter linkage, If a use a B&M Light truck Mega shifter will it still be a problem?Now when you say a bigger radiator can i just go to radiators.com and ask for a 76 F-100 with 360? Thanks.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
swaping in a 390
RebelMike, the easiest way to get a big radiator, and make sure it will bolt into your truck, might be to get one for your body style, 1979, and an engine of similar size to that which you will be dropping in. Like a rad for a 79 400 maybe. You are also going to need to purchase some tranquilizers and plenty of laundry detergent........ After driving a Toyota and a small block truck, a 390 is going to be a whole new world for you ! DF
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