what will fit?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2009
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what will fit?
I have a 71 F-100 with a 460 engine and c6 trans.
Im looking to downgrade the engine for economy. what will fit the c6? I was thinking something EFI
I am willing to trade the 460 for a new or rebuilt EFI engine (that will fit and work)
Im looking to downgrade the engine for economy. what will fit the c6? I was thinking something EFI
I am willing to trade the 460 for a new or rebuilt EFI engine (that will fit and work)
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 9
From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Hi and welcome to FTE. Your other engine choices if you chose to keep your existing C6 are 351M, 400 and 429 none of which are noted for good fuel mileage. What you might consider is a 302 or 351W. Both are good engines and EFI versions are common. You may be able to find a parts truck with a good engine/C6 combo. Another choice would be a 300 EFI 6 cyl. They are gutsy and seem to run forever. Another note you may find helpful is 300, 302 and 351W all shared the same bellhousing bolt pattern. All of these engines are also pretty much bolt in swaps.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
You will come out just as good buying another gas sipper vehicle and keep the ol truck to have fun with. You can do the swap but will have more money invested than if you bought another car/truck as a daily. IMHO
John
John
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
I Agree with Jo Wilker here.
However if you are wanting to go the route of changing engines.
I'd go with a Non Feedback Carbed 300-I6 from the early 80's. Why I say carbed, is that they have a higher Gas mileage rating with the EPA than the EFI version.
EPA MPG rating.
21 MPG Carbed 300
18 MPG EFI 300
Don't forget however that the transmission, tires, and rear end ratio also factors into mileage. Also the Bumpside is quite heavy compared to it's 80's and 90's counterparts.
However if you are wanting to go the route of changing engines.
I'd go with a Non Feedback Carbed 300-I6 from the early 80's. Why I say carbed, is that they have a higher Gas mileage rating with the EPA than the EFI version.
EPA MPG rating.
21 MPG Carbed 300
18 MPG EFI 300
Don't forget however that the transmission, tires, and rear end ratio also factors into mileage. Also the Bumpside is quite heavy compared to it's 80's and 90's counterparts.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2009
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hey thanks for all the suggestions!
from what I gather just about any engine going with the c6 drinks gas like nobodies business...
soooo..
what about a complete engine and tranny swap? maybe from a newer vehicle. I was thinking the 4.0 SOHC from a 97 explorer. thats what I drive and I have had no major problems with it at over 240,000 miles.
would that be a good or bad idea and why?
what would be the best combo for good mileage?
as for investing is a more fuel efficient truck... I have an explorer that gets around 23 highway and 16 city.
I just want to drive my truck but cant afford the 15 dollars a day for gas
..
on the other hand junkyards around here are pretty cheap. so I could pick up a decent rebuilt pair for around 2k and sell the stuff I have now.
about how much is a running 460 and c6 worth can anyone put a ballpark figure on it?
from what I gather just about any engine going with the c6 drinks gas like nobodies business...
soooo..
what about a complete engine and tranny swap? maybe from a newer vehicle. I was thinking the 4.0 SOHC from a 97 explorer. thats what I drive and I have had no major problems with it at over 240,000 miles.
would that be a good or bad idea and why?
what would be the best combo for good mileage?
as for investing is a more fuel efficient truck... I have an explorer that gets around 23 highway and 16 city.
I just want to drive my truck but cant afford the 15 dollars a day for gas
..
on the other hand junkyards around here are pretty cheap. so I could pick up a decent rebuilt pair for around 2k and sell the stuff I have now.
about how much is a running 460 and c6 worth can anyone put a ballpark figure on it?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 249
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, CA.
Like John said, these old trucks are old heavy bricks. Although the 4.0 hp ratings look like it should work, it does not have the torque to do it.
Find a donor truck with 460 fuel injection and overdrive trans, You won't get that much improvement but probably as much as any of the other options.
Find a donor truck with 460 fuel injection and overdrive trans, You won't get that much improvement but probably as much as any of the other options.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,394
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From: Des Plaines, Illinois
A few people will tell you, the key to MPG in these trucks is OVERDRIVE!
Either look to swap in an engine with an AOD or other 4-speed OD transmission, or look into an expensive aftermarket overdrive.
There's a lot of work in swapping some engines, especially when swapping to a small block or an I-6. Those 300s will never let you down, though.
Personally, I'd do nothing. I'd be happy with double digits but expect less.
Either look to swap in an engine with an AOD or other 4-speed OD transmission, or look into an expensive aftermarket overdrive.
There's a lot of work in swapping some engines, especially when swapping to a small block or an I-6. Those 300s will never let you down, though.
Personally, I'd do nothing. I'd be happy with double digits but expect less.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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I rebuilt my 390 and put a 700R4 behind it. The engine is just getting broken in and on my last trip I got +17 at 75 mph. I'm very happy, plus it's about 345 hp. However, as has been pointed out for what I spent I could have gotten a good used civic or focus. But, since I want to drive my truck, I'd look for a 5.0 HO with AOD in the 87-92 year range and swap it in. I've looked on Craig's list and seen many prospects, so it can be done for much less than I spent. Won't have the horses, but it'll get good mileage (for one of our trucks).
Just my .02.
Just my .02.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 398
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From: london, ontario
i have the 302 ho and aod on mine. alot better on gas. used to spend $33 a day to go to work and back, now down to 11.
that's canadian, so about $1.50 for you south of the border.lol
it wasn't too bad to put in, just need to find someone who know's what their doing if you go to a shop. i went lokar kickdown, and a floor shift so after you get the driveshaft shortened you just need to adjust the cable.
makes a world of difference, just not real good at accelerating up hills on the highway.
that's canadian, so about $1.50 for you south of the border.lol
it wasn't too bad to put in, just need to find someone who know's what their doing if you go to a shop. i went lokar kickdown, and a floor shift so after you get the driveshaft shortened you just need to adjust the cable.
makes a world of difference, just not real good at accelerating up hills on the highway.