Engine swap
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Engine swap
Hey all. Thanks for the help on the front axle swap; now I have another question: I have a '75 F100 4x4. It has a nicely built 390 (courtesy of the previous owner, and yes, it IS a 390) with a C-6. My question is, what other motors will bolt up to the existing trans? I'm thinking about switching to either a 351W or a 460 sometime in the future, and I want to start assembling parts as they show up in the want adds.
Greg
Greg
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Engine swap
Only an FE engine will bolt up to your transmission. A 352, 360, 390, 410, 427, and 428 will bolt right in to your truck with no modifications at all. The 351W will require a small block tranny, and the 460 would require a big block tranny. On other words, all three engines require a specific tranny, and none of them will interchange with each other.
A question for you - If your truck has a nicely built 390, why are you interested in getting rid of it? My 390 is 34 years old, has over 175,000 miles on it, and still runs great. And, it's running on the original bottom end. Still has the Ford logo stamped on the bearings.
If I were you, I would enjoy the truck the way it is. If the 390 was properly built, and you take care of it, it will still be running for a long time.
Jason Kendrick
1970 F100 Custom 390/C6
1978 F150 Ranger Lariat Supercab 460/C6
A question for you - If your truck has a nicely built 390, why are you interested in getting rid of it? My 390 is 34 years old, has over 175,000 miles on it, and still runs great. And, it's running on the original bottom end. Still has the Ford logo stamped on the bearings.
If I were you, I would enjoy the truck the way it is. If the 390 was properly built, and you take care of it, it will still be running for a long time.
Jason Kendrick
1970 F100 Custom 390/C6
1978 F150 Ranger Lariat Supercab 460/C6
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Engine swap
Greg dittos on what Jason said, you have one of the most desiriable combos already. IMHO the 390 is a better all round engine than either of the others, and there is still plenty of parts available for the 390.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
NC Chapter
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
John
jowilker
Club FTE since 01 01
NC Chapter
66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
you can hear chevys rusting away.
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Engine swap
Don't get me wrong; the 390 is a great motor, and I have zero complaints at this point. However, a scan through some aftermarket parts catalogs (PAW, Summit, etc.) shows a relative dearth of parts options that the 460 and 351 have. I'm watching my local paper for used 390's. I would like to have one in the garage to build as a back-up, so to speak. That's why I investigating options. Thanks for the info though!
Greg
P.S. If anyone has a used Edelbrock manifols they'd like to dispose of, I'm in the market.
Greg
P.S. If anyone has a used Edelbrock manifols they'd like to dispose of, I'm in the market.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
Engine swap
Greg- the ford FE series really is the pinnacle of human achievement. The folks who print catalogs are trying for the stupid money types, those who own anything other than an FE powered truck. If you have a specific part you are looking for, let us know and we'll help you find it. DF
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: yes
Engine swap
You also have to remember that just because it doesn't say 390 doesn't mean it wont work, most parts are interchangeable between the 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, and 428 with the most major exception being the pistons or crank, and some valve issues, but I just ran across someone who runs 427 2.19 valves in a .030 over 352.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Engine swap
OK, OK I get the point. Since it appears the the FE and I are beginning a long relationship, perhaps you guys could advise as to the possibility of using a PAW crank kit for a 428 in a 390 block, seeing as how 428's are rare as hen's teeth these days.
Greg
Greg
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