I have read much lately throughout this and all forums.
I have a 66 F100 Shorty 300 3spd old and tired.
This is to be a daily driver so at the price of fuel economy is an issue.
Was at Mopac Supply today THEY tell me to drop in a 289 as it is the easiest swap and cheapest for aftermarket parts. I am after the sound and purr more than all out performance. Pardon the badword but I used to drive a chevelle wagon 283 4bbl duals headers and just loved that feel and sound even though it would never win any races. Can i replicate that in the F100 what combination motor and tranny is the easiest swap. Do i stick with the 300 and try manifold, headers, carb?. I will search out the combination required and can be patient i would just like some positive direction. Budget is an issue
Thanks as always

 

The 302/5.0 is far more plentiful than a 289, and has a longer stroke which equates to more torque. It still doesn't have the torque of the 300 six, but in your Slick it would be a nice swap, and easy to do as it'll basically bolt right in. (Same as a 289.)

They're so common that they can often be picked up in good running condition pretty cheaply. Stay away from a '78 - '83 or so, as they were low compression/low performance smog motors. Also, don't rule out an EFI motor of you come across one you can convert the EFI to carb or even retrofit the truck for EFI with a bit of work. Budget wouldn't be too bad on that if you get a complete donor car or truck (truck 5.0 is better, longer runners on the manifold for more torque, among other things.) Also, 1985 and later 5.0s were roller cam in Mustangs, 1992 or so and later in trucks.

But most likely you'll want to stay carbed for simplicity, and there are a ton of aftermarket parts available. Manifolds, headers, ignition, you name it.

A couple things to watch out for if you do this:
The 302/5.0 is externally balanced which means you want to find one complete with flywheel. The 300-6 flywheel will bolt on, but the 300 is internally balanced and so has a zero balance flywheel and will cause a major vibration problem. You need a flywheel that's matched to the engine in terms of balance, but with the same tooth count as your 300 so it will fit the bellhousing (probably 164 teeth as opposed to 157)

The factory imbalance for the 289/302 was 28oz. till 1981 when it was changed to 50 oz. The imbalance is achieved by the harmonic balancer as well as the flywheel so both must be matched to the appropriate year engine.

An early '70s 302 would still be easy to find although may be pretty tired and need freshening, but might make for a good, easy swap. And a 351W would bolt right in the same way and give you back the torque you'd lose from the 302. If you decide you'd rather go that way, we can get into the specifics there as well.

Let us know what you decide.

 

Thanks i'll keep you posted

 

Found a couple mid 70's 302 out of bronco's is this a good swap?
Also came across an 85' HO 5litre closed chammber heads? but this was pricier.
Is the bronco tranny and motor mounts a boltin/ what about the oil pan?Any other issues i should be concerned with. I am going to have to buy this motor sight unseen.Thanks as always

 

The 300 six never had the torque of the 302, its torque just starts lower in the rpm range. 300-6 is overglorified. Im going to cite this everytime somebody starts talking up the 300-six http://http://www.mustangsandmore.co...orqueVsHP.html