Bought a '76 F500. 331/5spd splitter. Need to replace engine. Suggestions? Don't want to put lots of money in this. Would like to know the easiest swap out without much fab work required.

Thanks

John

 

It should be a 330, which is an FT engine (truck version of the FE). It's the same block as any 332,352,360,390,428 car or pickup engine, or 361 or 391 MD truck eng. I believe (not sure) that the 330 does not share the 361/391 larger crankshft snout, which would mean that you could put your front mount and timing cover on any car or pickup FE engine and bolt it in. Better check on the FE forum , tho.

Of course a proper FT (330, 361, 391) will work the best with your current gearing and load range. A newer Lima engine (370/429) will not bolt in without a lot of mods.

 

There is an excellent source of information on these engines. It is a softbound book, "How to Rebuild your Big Block Ford", by Steve Christ. It covers both the FE and FT engines, including parts interchange, engine balance issues and the like. I have one I have had for years and have worn it to a frazzle. It is a really valuable resource.