What is involved in swapping from a 292 to a 390?
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What is involved in swapping from a 292 to a 390?
Does anyone on here know what exactly is involved in switching froma 292 Y Block Engine up to a 390 FE? I never thought it to be something that would be hard, but I remember reading on here some time ago that you need a FE Bell housing from the early 60's trucks like a F600 or something. Is this true? What else would it consist of? I have a 65 truck with the bulldog transmission, etc. (but it's two wheel drive) and the truck it's going in is a 62 4x4. Will my transmission work? It should because the 4x4 should have the divorced transfer case. Any facts and info about this would be very much appreciated! Thanks, SHAUN
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Shaun,
You tranny might work, and it might not. You really need to tell us that tranny is in the 4x4 truck. If it is a like tranny, then it should work with little if any modifications. If it is different then it will still work, but not so simply. Different tranmissions are different lengths, and a longer or shorter tranny means lenghtening/shortening your t-case stubby driveline accordingly. Just a note: engine conversions are never flat out easy....but they can be rewarding and fun. Do you already have the 390?
You tranny might work, and it might not. You really need to tell us that tranny is in the 4x4 truck. If it is a like tranny, then it should work with little if any modifications. If it is different then it will still work, but not so simply. Different tranmissions are different lengths, and a longer or shorter tranny means lenghtening/shortening your t-case stubby driveline accordingly. Just a note: engine conversions are never flat out easy....but they can be rewarding and fun. Do you already have the 390?
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ok here's what I know T. R.
T.R.,
The 62 4x4 has 4 speed Warner in it. My 65 supposedly has a T98 in it but haven't checked the numbers to make sure. I do know that reverse is to the far right and forward where as my other 65 F250 I had a year ago had reverse to the right and back.
I do have the 390 and we just rebuilt it not long ago. It originally came out of a 72 I got from the original owners. It has 300 BHP heads now from a 64 Tbird and has been converted to a 4V Holley.
I know for a fact the problems you encounter when swapping engines. We just went from a 302 back to a Windsor in my 85. Little stuff that shouldn't of been a big deal was, such as changing harmonic balancers, flywheels, etc. It was quite an ordeal but worth it when it was over. So anything you can tell me will be a big help. Thanks, SHAUN
The 62 4x4 has 4 speed Warner in it. My 65 supposedly has a T98 in it but haven't checked the numbers to make sure. I do know that reverse is to the far right and forward where as my other 65 F250 I had a year ago had reverse to the right and back.
I do have the 390 and we just rebuilt it not long ago. It originally came out of a 72 I got from the original owners. It has 300 BHP heads now from a 64 Tbird and has been converted to a 4V Holley.
I know for a fact the problems you encounter when swapping engines. We just went from a 302 back to a Windsor in my 85. Little stuff that shouldn't of been a big deal was, such as changing harmonic balancers, flywheels, etc. It was quite an ordeal but worth it when it was over. So anything you can tell me will be a big help. Thanks, SHAUN
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From: Colville, Washington
Shaun, There are a few ways to do this, I think.
1. The '62 has a mount on the timing cover and a mount on each side of the bell housing to hold the engine/trans in place. You can locate early heavy truck components(timing cover and bell housing) off a FT engine, they were used on ~F500 and larger trucks. It should allow you to bolt in the engine, HOWEVER there may be a difference in the bell housing depth.
2. You can get crossmember kits to install the modern side engine mount, single transmission mount system in your year truck. Advance Adapters and TD Performance carry them, I believe. That would allow you to use more readily available parts.
Good luck!!
1. The '62 has a mount on the timing cover and a mount on each side of the bell housing to hold the engine/trans in place. You can locate early heavy truck components(timing cover and bell housing) off a FT engine, they were used on ~F500 and larger trucks. It should allow you to bolt in the engine, HOWEVER there may be a difference in the bell housing depth.
2. You can get crossmember kits to install the modern side engine mount, single transmission mount system in your year truck. Advance Adapters and TD Performance carry them, I believe. That would allow you to use more readily available parts.
Good luck!!
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Thanks Putt,
I really appreciate that. I remember hearing there was something you had to do in the way of a conversion to go from a Y block to the FE. I think the conversion would be worth it for the added horsepower. Now my FE will bolt up to the older 292 bellhousing as long as I have the new crossmember for mounting issues? Transmission mount up also? Thanks for any help you can give me. ~Shaun
I really appreciate that. I remember hearing there was something you had to do in the way of a conversion to go from a Y block to the FE. I think the conversion would be worth it for the added horsepower. Now my FE will bolt up to the older 292 bellhousing as long as I have the new crossmember for mounting issues? Transmission mount up also? Thanks for any help you can give me. ~Shaun
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Shaun, I could be wrong here so hopefully others will chime in, but I don't think your y block shares a bellhousing with anything. So, when you go to the yard, find one that goes from your trans to a 390. This may be easier said than done I know....
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Sooooo What ya gonna do with the Y Block. If ya are going to scrap it or let it go reasoably. I could have it out of your way in a few days. As I understand you are in Washington state and I try to save as many Y's as I can. Am needing one now but have the after holidays empty wallet. Got several people down there that will pick it up for me and pay if need be.
