I have an 1981 f150.. I recently Bought a 390/360 to drop into it.. Well the problems started when i saw that the oil pan is backwards from the stock 302 and the motor mounts are too low so the oil filter hits the steering arm.. every one i talked to said it should match up ok.. but it don't any advice would help...

 

Mal, I don't have specific expirience w/ your vintage frame, but in the 73-79 types, a 302 sits on one kind of engine perch and the 360/390 sits on a different one. I have both and in fact am putting a 390 into where I had a 302. There are two styles of FE oil filter housing, one where the oil filter is horizontal another where it's vertical, have you tried using the vertical one from a car? If not consider a remote oilfilter. I know guys that put 302's into smallRanger trucks have to do this. How much does your oil pan clearance miss by? In my 69 and the later 70's I've seen the oil pan is only an inch or less off the crossmember. Can you shim the motor up enough to clear? On my 302's the deepest part of the oil pan is right over the main crossmember. Same w/ the 390. Good luck w/ the custom work.

BBT

 

Thanks for the info BBT. there is no clearance between the oilpan and crossmember..which brings me to ..Have you ever heard of a double-sump oil pan...i have'nt just wondering..someone told me that 70's engine stands would not mount on my truck but i could get a double sump and solve my problem..Thanks again...

 

Never seen a double sump for an FE. The stock FE has two different style oil pans. The 2wd is a front sump and the 4x4 is a rear sump. The rear sump is prefered because you get the oil to the rear when you step on it.
I've seen a Cobra oil pan that is very flat and has move volume on the sides and is a front sump type.

the rear sump 4x4 type runs about 10" from the very rear of the engine.

The other option would be to take it to a welder and have it custom cut and might as well have baffles installed while you're at it.