From what I've read on this forum it is possible, and I'm considering it. The only concern I have right now is would it bolt to a c6 auto set up for a 390? I was considering a re-built 390, but the prices gave me a serious case of sticker shock! $2000 is way out of my price range... According to HeavyTruckParts.Net - Find Used, Salvage or Rebuilt; Engines, Transmissions, Rears, & More! It looks like a good, healthy 330 MD can be had for less than $1000. I've looked into a couple other motors as well (the 300 6cyl in particular) but they won't be able to bolt to the current tranny, which would be an issue.

Sam

 

I would look for a 352 or 360 before installing a 330. That is not a good pickup engine, it has very different revving & torque delivery.




John

 

I would keep looking for, like John said, at least a 360. Pre-1972 if possible, but if it's a 1972 and above, change out the timing chain set to a pre-1972 part (cam timing is horrible and this will fix it for 1972-up 360's).

If the 330 were FREE, I'd consider it.

 

Ok, thanks. I've looked for a regular old FE, but the pickings in this area seem to be pretty slim, junkyards have nothing but worn out junk around here. Why exactly would the 330 be such a bad idea? Do you have to revv it too high to get power out of it? U-haul seemed to like it. (Just incase I wasn't clear earlier, I'm looking at the medium duty motor from u-haul, not the heavy duty one from the big trucks)

Thanks

Sam

 

The more I read about the 330, the less and less I like it. neither horsepower and torque are very impressive... I see what you mean about not being a very good pickup motor. Looks like I'll just have to wait for the right FE to come up, or maybe I should just get a parts truck? The only issue is the "parts truck" would probably be in better shape than the truck I have now! Oh well, I'll figure out something. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Sam

 

What's wrong with your current 390?

 

Well, unfortunately a lot... 6 cylinders have 100-110 psi of compression, one has 80, and another has about 40... It didn't smoke (smelled far worse than usual though) but then a wrist pin or something started knocking. It would make two loud, metallic clanks at the top an bottom of every stroke. Over all its just plain worn out, has more than a 100,000 miles on it.

Sam

 

Ah, I get it now... just plain wore out

 

A few more questions... The current 390 is already 30 over, any hope for the block, or is it pretty much at the end of its life?

Sam

 

You should be OK with another rebuild. IMHO




John

 

1973/78 F350's made especially for U-Haul by Ford came with the 330 2V Medium Duty FT engine.

There's also a 330 2V H/D. It shares very few parts with the 330 M/D.

 

you could always sleeve it...runs about $80 bucks a hole here in S Texas. Don't know what folks think about sleeving but I understand diesels are sleeved from the git go and are good for a couple a zillion miles with proper maintenance. Don't know how well that process works with gas engines though am fixing to find out cause I had to get a sleeve put in number one due to a combination of bugs, dirt,H2O, and about 4 years setting idle causing the piston to seize. It turned out 5 and 8 had already been sleeved

 

Ok, thanks guys. I appreciate the help.

Sam

 

last I checked, 360/390 blocks could be had @ standard bore for a few hundred dollars.