Engine swap question
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Engine swap question
Hi everyone, hope you can help me! I have a 1960 F-250 with the original 292 w/4 speed. The engine is dead and I was told I can drop in a 390. Is it true that I need a 61-66 390, and just change the bell housing?
My dilemma is; I have my sights on a F-100 w/ a 390, but it is a 1968. Will that motor still work for me? Thanks for the help!
My dilemma is; I have my sights on a F-100 w/ a 390, but it is a 1968. Will that motor still work for me? Thanks for the help!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Welcome to our little world! 
I wish I was gearhead enough to answer your swap question specifically, but others here certainly can and they will be along shortly.
I am what we call a "darksider", meaning that little of my 56 driveline and sheet metal is the way Henry made it. So I don't get any heartburn thinking of dropping a different engine into one of these trucks. But I have to wonder why you wouldn't just build that 292 back up. No question that would be the path of least resistance and least expensive way to get a FRESH motor.
Any used motor is just another pile of worn parts...complete with all the PO's problems.
Also, the 390 would not be on the top of my list for a swap. They are great luggers (for towing and such), but very heavy and not much in the performance department. If you do a swap, which means new engine mounts, etc, look at a 351W. It's much lighter, produces about the same power stock, and has TONS of aftermarket goodies available. OR, maybe a 460, if you really want an FE big block.
All in all, it would be easier to answer your questions if we had an idea of what you want the truck to be when it grows up.
Again, welcome!
P.S.: Start you gallery. We love pictures!
I wish I was gearhead enough to answer your swap question specifically, but others here certainly can and they will be along shortly.
I am what we call a "darksider", meaning that little of my 56 driveline and sheet metal is the way Henry made it. So I don't get any heartburn thinking of dropping a different engine into one of these trucks. But I have to wonder why you wouldn't just build that 292 back up. No question that would be the path of least resistance and least expensive way to get a FRESH motor.
Any used motor is just another pile of worn parts...complete with all the PO's problems.
Also, the 390 would not be on the top of my list for a swap. They are great luggers (for towing and such), but very heavy and not much in the performance department. If you do a swap, which means new engine mounts, etc, look at a 351W. It's much lighter, produces about the same power stock, and has TONS of aftermarket goodies available. OR, maybe a 460, if you really want an FE big block.
All in all, it would be easier to answer your questions if we had an idea of what you want the truck to be when it grows up.
Again, welcome!
P.S.: Start you gallery. We love pictures!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 3
whats wrong with the 292. is it saveable and just needs a rebuild or does it have a rod struck through the block. as far as i know all 352-390 are the same block but dont quote me on that. a 390 should not be hard to come by and should be a faily easy swap just motor mounts and bellhousing.just dont scrap the y-block theres always someone who will want it, like me for example.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
and me. However, like Randy said, knowing what this truck will be doing will help. As for 61-66 FE's(I think 352 was the only factory option in the 1/2 ton?) it "may" have the 5 bolt bell pattern, like the 221/260/289 did til mid '65, but that don't mean it will bolt to a Y block trans. And the '68 390 should be the same as a '61-'66 352 as far as mounts and such goes, but the bell pattern would be 6 bolts, so you may want to count them to make sure they're the same. But again, that doesn't mean it will bolt to a Y block trans. All in all, if the FE is used, expect to swap the tranny, driveshafts, etc.... It's cold and rainy here, thus the long wind in typing, sorry.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,890
Likes: 9
From: La Verne, California
As has been stated by others, it depends on what you wish your truck to do for you.
And nothing is "Just a Drop-In" when swapping out None Similar engine blocks.
But, you'll be saving yourself a ton of Headaches if you just B&B, P&P, B&S the 292 Y-block using 312 Y-block performance parts.
And nothing is "Just a Drop-In" when swapping out None Similar engine blocks.
But, you'll be saving yourself a ton of Headaches if you just B&B, P&P, B&S the 292 Y-block using 312 Y-block performance parts.
