I have a 1980 4X4 F-150 with a 6 cyl and 4 spd manual, np 208 or 203 (whichever is the part time one can't remember) I want to put a V-8 in this thing, preferably a 460. I do have a C-6 and NP205 of unknow vintage and unknown origin that I can use for the swap. How big of a pain in the #$%^#@ is this going to be? And what would be a good reference that has steps/instructions for preforming said swap. I am willing to stay with the carb but wouldn't rule out FI if I could pull it off. I do have access to a full shop so tools, lift etc. are not an issue.

 

First off, your transfer case should be an NP208. Most, if not all, 1/2 tons built after 1979 have the 208.

I know that a lot of folks want a big ol' V-8, but unless you're racing, that 300-6 is a pretty respected motor. It may not have the horsepower of a 460, but it has a lot of torque and it'll run forever. In my case, I was going to swap out my 460 for a 300-6, but with a baby on the way and a wife that wants a house of her own, that little plan is bye, bye.

Anywhoo, if you really want to do this swap, you'll need frame perches for a 460 and a tranny that came behind either a 351M/400 or a 460. A tranny from a 300, 302, 351W will not work behind a 460 because it has a different bolt pattern on the bellhousing. The best thing to do is to find a donor truck and take everything from it. It's amazing what you find that you need and it's always the nickle and dime things that can discourage people.