Hey folks, I'm looking to upgrade my 302 in my 85 Ford F-150 to a 390FE and C6 tranny. Can someone give me some advice on how to do this.. I've never attempted an engine swap such as this. I'm going to use all the original wiring from the 390 car and such, but I wanna know if I have to move my engine back, or my mounts, or the tranny crossframe. Does anyone have any suggestions or any information?

I also have some old late 70's ford truck parts for sale.. actually I have 3 old ford trucks I need to get rid of, so if anyone is interested Email me at Knight@mcw.net
Thanks alot folks, I definitely need the help on this one

Mark

 

Mark, I don't think that is a good idea at all. If you can get by today, you or someone will run into problems one day with the emmissions or the lack of. That engine was discontinued by then.

Where are you located?

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John

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Mark, I like the idea of using a 390 instead of a 302, but John brings up a valid concern about emission testing. MOST of the folks at a test station can't tell a 302 from a 390 anyway but if you have to pass a sniffer test it will be tough. If you don't have to get a test done or your state doesn't require them (here in rural michigan there is no testing required) then carry on. A few ideas may make things easier. Use the wiring that the truck already has. The 390 car engine is better than the truck version because it has more compression. But it also has points ignition, which is not so good. If you were to get a reman distributer for a 75 or 76 390 or 360, it would plug right in the wiring were the 302's dizzy was, one less hassle in your swap. If I were you I wouldn't sell any of your extra parts trucks until you have everything in and going. You might need engine mounts or frame perches or something. If you are going to run an automatic tranny you will need the correct adapter for a C6. You will need to look at your front end and see if you need to get a 4x4 oil pan. If you are not in a hurrry you can do this swap but you've chosen a somewhat unorthodox thing to do. Have you posted this question in the 80-86 truck room ? Maybe someone there can be more helpful. DF