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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

engine swap difficulty

Old Nov 11, 2007 | 04:18 PM
  #1  
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engine swap difficulty

I just broke out the old 71 f100 that was my grandfathers truck.6 cylinder,3 speed manual trans,62,000 miles.Was thinking about some day either going with a late model engine and trans or sticking with a carburated engine, and was wondering what is involved with the swap.(Motor mounts,exhaust and mainly wiring).Any help would be appreciated.
Also what about relocating the gas tank?Don't like that bomb at my back.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 06:14 PM
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You already have a good setup. If the mileage is correct, everything should be in reasonably good condition. I would stick with the ole six banger and the three on the tree and run it for a while. You will find the old six to be a respectable engine.
If you should decide to up grade, a 302 or 351w will bolt up to the the bell housing you now have.
I just made a similar swap, except I went back with an AOD, and moved the engine back four inches, so my swap was a little more involved .
I went back with a carburator and my wiring all matched up. I used the alternator that was on the six banger. I didn't even have to disconnect the wiring, I merely removed it from the old 6 and laid it back out of the way and just reconnected it on the 302 after I got it installed.
As far as the accelarator is concerned, I redesigned it to pull from the center of the firewall instead of left of center.
Good luck and enjoy your new toy.
Bob
 
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by gradrgy
You already have a good setup. If the mileage is correct, everything should be in reasonably good condition. I would stick with the ole six banger and the three on the tree and run it for a while. You will find the old six to be a respectable engine.
If you should decide to up grade, a 302 or 351w will bolt up to the the bell housing you now have.
I just made a similar swap, except I went back with an AOD, and moved the engine back four inches, so my swap was a little more involved .
I went back with a carburator and my wiring all matched up. I used the alternator that was on the six banger. I didn't even have to disconnect the wiring, I merely removed it from the old 6 and laid it back out of the way and just reconnected it on the 302 after I got it installed.
As far as the accelarator is concerned, I redesigned it to pull from the center of the firewall instead of left of center.
Good luck and enjoy your new toy.
Bob
Thanks for the info.Bob
I will probably do as you said and leave it alone for now.As far as the mileage is concerned it definetly correct as he was the original owner.Will try to post some pictures soon.Mark
 
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Old Nov 11, 2007 | 08:46 PM
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Sounds like you got lucky, Id leave the 6 in it and maybe dress her up a bit with some wheels and tires. Congrats
 
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 05:52 AM
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Good advice on driving it for a while, you'll get a better feel for what you would like to do.

As for the gas tank, there are no real safety concerns there. I would like some extra room in the cab, but after 40 years of being there why change it now.


John
 
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Old Nov 12, 2007 | 08:50 AM
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Yup John, I've owned these trucks for 23 yrs and never once worried about the gas tank behind the seat. Guess everyone has that news shot from years back and the chevy bursting into flames(with help of pyrotechnics).

What were you thinking as of late model motor? another 6cyl? or maybe a V8. Not positive, but I'd bet that any small block would bolt up to the motor mounts on frame(the towers)? They would also bolt to your original tranny/bellhousing. As long as you stay away from computer engines, the coil wire that you have will run anything else.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Freightrain
Yup John, I've owned these trucks for 23 yrs and never once worried about the gas tank behind the seat. Guess everyone has that news shot from years back and the chevy bursting into flames(with help of pyrotechnics).

What were you thinking as of late model motor? another 6cyl? or maybe a V8. Not positive, but I'd bet that any small block would bolt up to the motor mounts on frame(the towers)? They would also bolt to your original tranny/bellhousing. As long as you stay away from computer engines, the coil wire that you have will run anything else.
I was thinking V8,but with all the positive "leave it alone feedback"i will most likely do just that.
 
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