Hello,

I bought a 1963 F100, and am interested in which engines I can put in to replace the shot 223. I want to swap out engines, however, I am not into body cutting and welding, since I don't have the equipment.

So what will work? it has the 3 speed on the tree as well. I might need to rebuild or change it out as well. Are the any v-8's that will work well?

I am certainly new at this so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Geno

And IF YOU HAVE AN ENGINE FOR ME IN NORTH CAROLINA let me know. I want to drop it in and go...so no tuckered out motors.

 

The bad news: your '63 has a front motor mount and the only V8's that will fit in there stock are the old Y-blocks. 292, 312. If you want something newer or different, you'll have to change the mounts.

The good news: it's fairly easy to put a side mount set up in and there is lots of room to work with.

Somebody else can give you the details...

 

Actually, there is ONE possible option: An FE motor (352, 360, 390 and more) IF and ONLY IF you can find a '65 - '66 4x4 with the 352 engine and complete mounting system in it.
You will need all the motor mounts, bell housing, everything between the front frame member and the front of the transmission.

The '65/'66 4x4 used the older design frame and motor mount system such as your truck has, but offered a 352 option.

 

Don't forget that the 1965-66 F350 and larger trucks also had that front engine mount as well on the FE motor as the frames were still using the straight front axle. (I personally would also change the timing belt cover since the aluminum housings don't have the proper support to hold the weight of the FE engine) I'm not sure about using the bell housing off the trucks that are larger than the F350 models because I think the transmission mounts may be larger is size, but I could be wrong. Lewis

 

Correct on the 350 and higher - but there is a potential conflict here. Many of the larger trucks used the FT engine - and the FT front timing cover won't seal around the FE crankshaft. The FT cranks have a larger snout.
The front mount and timing cover from a 352 in a '65/'66 4x4 will fit, fit correctly and work properly as well.

 

Hmmmm. Sounds like the first catch would be to find a donor vehicle to do the change over to a 352. But, in the meantime, I want to be driving my truck. If I don't drive it, and it sits and sits, then + + = an eventual loss of interest and a new lawn ornament.

IF such an undertaking would be done, then what books would be suggested? Manual-wise? Custom-wise? Would getting a manual that breaks-down my trucks components and the donor's a good idea. We must keep in mind that I have no prior history with conversions.

Also what is the FE and FT?

You might as well put a diaper on me and warm a bottle.

SO in the meantime, we have nailed down 312, 292 as being direct converts. Also, how bout the 300 L6, I hear from different mechanics (the day mine blew) that this was a great dependable motor, and it can be somewhat hipo'ed. If I drop a 300 in it, what needs changing. I am inept enough to know that the manifold on the 300 is on the passenger's side of the truck, and the 223 is on the driver's side.

Also, it seems to me that finding an ole Ford 4x4 of the appropriate year would be tough to come by. It is my experience that these are not common as the 2W brother.

Keep them coming...I need all the help you can dish!

Geno

 

Look, problem is style of chassis you have isn't conducive to better types of engines built by FoMoCo after 1965 when they did away with the system of mounting your early chassis necessitates. . .ergo = change the chassis to make it accept what you really need/ want to have, as in; instead of another "Older Type Engine & Power Train.
The early style [57-64] chassis limits your "bolt in choices" considerably.

Bite the bullet, use a mount kit to put in an power train that improves your situation.
By using an aftermarket engine mount conversion set up you could put any engine you can find mount set up for, in your truck. It makes more sense to select what you need than to settle for whatever you get stuck with 'cause you have to use it. Even if you gotta pay a guy with a portable welder to come install mounts, IMHO it's worth it.

Older technology engines are nostalgic, and classic & all that, but new tech engines run better, last longer when cared for & maintained, and are more powerful & efficient than most older engines you can Bolt into your 63 FoMoCo Truck "OEM" style. It's a rogue to hook an AOD to a pre 65 Ford Engine that will fit in a 63 F Series.

Most 64 & earlier style engines were designed & appeared in the 1950s. the later engines began in 1965. . . .

FE 1st appeared in '58 as a 2V 332 CID V8 in Fairlane Body, thus Fairlane Engine or FE the larger FT engine appeared about the same time in larger trucks, school busses etc thus Ford Truck or FT Engine.
The FE went through a lot of changes, 332-352-360- 361(= U-Haul) 390, 401, 406, 407, 410, 427 & 428 CID and all are "FE" style engines, and not the most efficient.

FBp

 

My vote? find and rebuild a Y block.
They are damn good motors, built like tanks.
Have a unique and very cool sound to them too.
Most guys build them back as 312's with the crank bearings taken down to the size of standard 292, so they can use the neoprene back bearing seal instead of the archaic rope seal that's the one available for 312's.
you can get some decent horses out of a Y too.

Many options available as far as trans adapters, Do a google search on John Mummert for more info.

This, from a guy who has Windsors in a '63 and a '64. If either of them had been left alone enough to stick a Y block in, I would have done it without hesitation.

One proviso, if I am not mistaken the front loop motor mount (behind the radiator) is a different length for a six than a V8, may require some modification.

Cant beat that Y block sound. Except with another unique sound, the one of a Flathead.
But thats another kettle of fish.

 

If you want to get some Ideas about difficulty and price of putting in a cross member that will accept a different engine I would suggest getting an issue of classic trucks magazine from wally world and requesting a free catalog from everyone in the mag that offers one. Some suppliers I've seen even offer a bolt in cross member so you wouldn't have to weld. They have the crossmembers for the new transmissions also. If you go with a chebby engine and trans don't post that on here though, lol. When you decide on a engine, trans combo you can ask these guys about any bell housing clearance issues or anything else on the install, they know their stuff.

 

Excellent choice.

 

Little tid bit... A V8 will not bolt in to a six cylender truck as it does not have the additional front mount on the frame.

Six cyl equipped trucks 61 to 64 that mount a 223 or 262 have a hole in the front crossmember for the front mount.

Eight Cyl. trucks using a 292 have an additional bracket welded to the front crossmember to account for the V8s shorter legenth.

The FT front bracket will bolt on the the FE with custom spacers. The bell housings were avalible in bolth the F series to F800 the N series and the C series with a FT engine

Garbz

 

I've had a 390 in my '63 for 20+ years. I used an aftermarket engine crossmember ($75 at the time, if I remember) 60s passenger car mounts (2141, I think), trans crossmember out of a 68 Galaxie and a floor shifter out of a '69 Mustang.

 

What's the matter w/ going w/ the Venerable 223 I-6 again?
Great relyable engine, FPT in that correct RPM range for all your needs, Performance Parts can be easily found for it on e-Bay & else where, 25mpg Average on the Hwy.

The first 2 years of the 300 I-6 have the same mounts as your truck.
Just thought I'd throw that it for grins.