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fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 10:37 AM
My blood runs blue and I am more than familiar with older Fords. I am pretty sure I already know the answer to this question, but I figured I'd ask anyways just to see if there are any alternatives here.

I am looking into purchasing what appears to be an 88-90 F-250. The truck has been sitting outside my shop for a few months but the doors are locked so I can't get the year off of it just yet. It is a 5 speed 4x4 and I am assuming it has a 460ci engine. I want the truck, but I don't want to run a 460 in it. I would like to swap in a 302, but I am almost positive that the 302 won't bolt up to the ZF 5 speed tranny. I love the ZF 5 speed and I want to keep it. Is there any way I can bolt up a 302 to that tranny?

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 12:13 PM
Another question- I have always been a big fan of the "FE" family of Ford engines (352, 360, 390, 428, etc). Does anybody know if the FE engine will bolt up to a ZF tranny?

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 12:30 PM
Seems like I'm talking to myself here- Lol. I just did some research and as far as I can tell neither the 390 nor the 302 will bolt up to the ZF tranny. :( That frieken sucks. If any of you guys have any ideas or suggestions I am open to any other options.

jeffatc250r
05-18-2010, 03:24 PM
I know there are a-m companies that make adapter plates to mount certain motors to certain transvestites. Dont know if there are any out there for that particular setup. There must be a ford P-U forum? Maybe try joining one and ask them. Orrrr, save yourself alot of headaches and buy a real truck like a heavy chevy and be done with it! :lol:

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 03:35 PM
That's actually what I did Jeff, I joined a Ford truck forum. Here's what I have learned so far-

The big block Ford ZF tranny has an integrated (permanent) bell housing that cannot be removed. It will only fit big blocks and diesels.

There is a small block ZF tranny that I will have to try and find.

There is no way to bolt an FE motor to any ZF tranny.

Chevy's are gigantic piles of shite.

TDS
05-18-2010, 04:07 PM
only lil boys wear bow ties :)

jeffatc250r
05-18-2010, 04:24 PM
Haha, hey whatever works for ya right. I built an old chev 6 yrs ago and have had nothing but great luck with it. Aside from the normal maint. and a cpl odds and ends I just RUN IT

Oh, and I'm not 'little' by any means :lol:

cattle-dog
05-18-2010, 04:26 PM
a true motor head loves anything with a motor, you are correct only a 460 or a 6.9 diesal will bolt to it. you will find the 302 in a big 4x4 may get worse milage than the 460.then the whole exhaust is diffrent , you could buy a 302 truck cheaper than converting it. i drive a 85 ford 6.9 4x4 as my everyday truck. i have also owned and built nearly 300 cars and trucks of all makes and years.

200xman
05-18-2010, 05:33 PM
I doubt it has a 460. It's most likely a 302 or 351. Just take a quick look under on the drivers side and you will be able to tell whether it's a small block or big block by the hydraulic clutch. The small block 5 speeds used an internal slave cylinder while the big block and diesels had an external slave. I just got rid of a 1990 F250 with a 5.0, 5 speed and 3:55 gears and it was a dog. Picked up an 84 F350 5.8 auto that has either 4:11 or 4:56 and it's a world of difference. I never liked those light duty 5 speeds because the slave cylinders never seem to last and you have to pull the tranny to change them. If you want to look for something on the island here I'd have no problem checking it out for you.

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 06:05 PM
Funny Todd, I was just thinking about you today because I was thinking about my old truck. That thing was a rat when I got it, and I'm setting myself up to do it all again! :lol::crazy:

I'm gonna have to take a peek underneath it tomorrow. If I see anything down that way I'll give you a holler Todd. I appreciate the offer.

200xman
05-18-2010, 07:54 PM
Here's a picture out of the Whoops! section of the May 2010 of your old truck. This was the guy I sold it to and probably the reason it was last seen being parted out on Craigslist. If I had to bet I'd say that the water it's sitting in is salt!!!. If you want the magazine just P.M. me your addy and I'll throw it in the mail.

dirtbiken
05-18-2010, 08:32 PM
fabiodriven you think chevy's are big piles of shite do ya? U wanna race? lol

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 08:39 PM
Dude, don't tell me that's salt....

dirtbiken
05-18-2010, 08:41 PM
Dude, chevys will eat fords anywhere anytime. Just so you know.

SWIGIN
05-18-2010, 08:46 PM
Before building it in your mind you need to find out what is in it. I too doubt it is a 460 but you never know. If it is a 460 why would you want a FE motor? The 460 has TONS of aftermarket support and the stock block can handle 800hp all day long.

The one thing I did not see so far is the fact that the 351m/400 motors DO bolt up the same as the 460 but they are junk IMO....but it is an option.

Heres my mild 400hp 460 in action...lol

http://i49.tinypic.com/n5ki2d.jpg

SWIGIN
05-18-2010, 08:48 PM
Dude, chevys will eat fords anywhere anytime. Just so you know.

.................................uh............no

dirtbiken
05-18-2010, 08:56 PM
SWIGIN you got a old bronco, wow real powerfull, pretty sure my cousins 1990 454ss truck will wax that in a race.

Thorpe
05-18-2010, 08:56 PM
^^ How old are you? 17...? Not the bow tie - blue oval arguement.... :rolleyes:

Check out this link... Bob (Bendtsen) Can adapt pretty much anything... Have used many of his adapters at the shop....

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 08:57 PM
I think the 460 is a great motor if it's built up. I don't plan on building it, and I'm not crazy about the 460 in stock form. All I might do is put headers and duals on it and maybe some small bolt ons. I always had a preference for the FE. There is aftermarket stuff for the FE, it's just more expensive. My 390 had a lot more balls than my 460.

Let's not even get into the 351M's and 400's. There is a reason I didn't even list those as an option...:lol:

SWIGIN
05-18-2010, 08:58 PM
SWIGIN you got a old bronco, wow real powerfull, pretty sure my cousins 1990 454ss truck will wax that in a race.

I have ate them before and I'll do it again......bring it. Those SS454 trucks were a joke.

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 09:12 PM
SWIGIN you got a old bronco, wow real powerfull, pretty sure my cousins 1990 454ss truck will wax that in a race.

My uncle's neighbor has a friend who knows a guy that has this wicked fast thing. I bet it would smoke anything anybody you know has.

Beat it. Don't pollute my thread with your Ford vs chevy (notice the no capitol "c" in chevy) crap. This is a discussion among the men with Ford experience, and we all have driver's license's too.

Thorpe
05-18-2010, 09:23 PM
Fabio... You would like this beast we built... 514 BBF with Momar stack injection 660hp stuffed into a 1935 Ford Coupe, rocking a built C-6 with a Gear Vendor overdrive bolted on the end...

http://www.tinmanfabrication.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=52/category_id=79/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd52.htm

SWIGIN
05-18-2010, 09:24 PM
NICE CAR!!!

It's so refreshing not to see a common sbc under old ford iron. And for it to be a stroked 460 FI is even better.

Thorpe
05-18-2010, 09:26 PM
The thing is scary fast.... Talk about a handful too!

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 09:51 PM
That thing is hairy for sure Thorpe!

Walkerallen
05-18-2010, 10:02 PM
dirtbiken, stop with the Chevy Vs Ford argument and just go buy a Dodge, better yet a Cummings

fabiodriven
05-18-2010, 10:06 PM
dirtbiken, stop with the chevy vs ford argument and just go buy a dodge, better yet a cummings

There is no letter "g" in the word Cummins!!!!:welcome:

Leadfoot71
05-19-2010, 01:50 AM
My blood runs blue and I am more than familiar with older Fords. I am pretty sure I already know the answer to this question, but I figured I'd ask anyways just to see if there are any alternatives here.

I am looking into purchasing what appears to be an 88-90 F-250. The truck has been sitting outside my shop for a few months but the doors are locked so I can't get the year off of it just yet. It is a 5 speed 4x4 and I am assuming it has a 460ci engine. I want the truck, but I don't want to run a 460 in it. I would like to swap in a 302, but I am almost positive that the 302 won't bolt up to the ZF 5 speed tranny. I love the ZF 5 speed and I want to keep it. Is there any way I can bolt up a 302 to that tranny?

I'd leave whatever is in there now, right where it is. I'm certain it's completely awesome. Ford doesn't make mistakes, Chrysler does. :p

I like the FE series too but seriously, that stuff is obsolete today. The best never rest.

Here's a pic of my '83 F150 for anyone that doesn't believe Ford when they say "Built Ford tough". I've hauled between 170,000 and 200,000lbs of firewood with this rig over the last 8 years and it's done that without an air filter or oil change. The cab mounts are shot so the only thing holding the cab to the truck right now is the brake lines, steering column, and gravity. Built Ford tough! :lol:

conrail54
05-24-2010, 09:37 PM
yea it might have a 351 in it, but if it does have a 460 in it id stick with it, cause the 460 has great power and is an overall good motor in my opinion! :cool:

jeffatc250r
05-25-2010, 12:16 AM
We had a 460 in a one ton, It did have some lug for sure, but the fuel mileage was about 6-8 mpg, and that really was a turn off.

big specht
05-25-2010, 08:08 AM
put a cummins in it we have done it . My brothers truck have one bolted to a zf5 with 9'' of lift and 39s and getting around 22mpg on the highway

fabiodriven
05-25-2010, 08:32 AM
The 460 is a much better motor when "built". The truck motors in stock trim are notorious gas hogs and although they will lug, they do not make impressive power.

dirtbiken
05-25-2010, 09:23 AM
um walkerallen I got a dodge. and dont worry about it, if I want to talk about Chevy's beating fords which everybody knows that they will I can. I dont see anybody stopping me. AND i GOT MY LISENCE TO.

fabiodriven
05-25-2010, 09:40 AM
put a cummins in it we have done it . My brothers truck have one bolted to a zf5 with 9'' of lift and 39s and getting around 22mpg on the highway

Now we're talking. I really wasn't planning on making this that much of a project, but I would love to do that someday. My buddy's dad is in the final stages of a Cummins transplant on his 04 F-350. It had the boat-anchor 6.0 diesel in it. Trucks gonna be sick when it's done.

3wheelmecca
05-27-2010, 02:04 AM
A 6.5 Detroit would do well also, put an NV4500 behind it and you will pull well and get good mileage. I would just look for a wrecked 302 powered F-Series and make a swap. I just redid the top end on my 5.0 powered Crown vic and got some good power out of it. Also I would ditch the smog pump also, just another intake leak IMO.

SWIGIN
05-27-2010, 04:42 PM
The 460 is a much better motor when "built". The truck motors in stock trim are notorious gas hogs and although they will lug, they do not make impressive power.

Yup, Im a 460 fan but I hate them in stock form. Or any common big block for that matter. My mild 400hp 460 gives me 10-12mpg and thats with an 850 holley....lol

fabiodriven
05-29-2010, 09:28 PM
um walkerallen I got a dodge. and dont worry about it, if I want to talk about Chevy's beating fords which everybody knows that they will I can. I dont see anybody stopping me. AND i GOT MY LISENCE TO.

Why don't you go shim your starter or something. I'm sure you won't get that, so let me know and I'll explain it to you.:D

Woodsrider
05-29-2010, 10:50 PM
Why don't you go shim your starter or something. I'm sure you won't get that, so let me know and I'll explain it to you.:D

I think he was suspended a couple days ago....you'll have to wait for his reply....

Woodsrider
05-29-2010, 11:00 PM
I think the 460 is a great motor if it's built up. I don't plan on building it, and I'm not crazy about the 460 in stock form. All I might do is put headers and duals on it and maybe some small bolt ons. I always had a preference for the FE. There is aftermarket stuff for the FE, it's just more expensive. My 390 had a lot more balls than my 460.

Let's not even get into the 351M's and 400's. There is a reason I didn't even list those as an option...:lol:

I've sort of been following this thread(pure curiosity).....so I'm learning a bit about some Ford engines which is cool....if someone wouldn't mind explaining to me what FE refers to..I would appreciate it...you lost me on that one.

Thorpe
05-29-2010, 11:19 PM
This is wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt...

"The Ford FE engine is a Ford V8 engine used in vehicles sold in the North American market between 1958 and 1976. A related engine, the Ford FT engine, was used in medium and heavy trucks from 1964 through 1978. The FE filled the need for a medium-displacement engine created by the discontinuation of the Lincoln Y-block V8 engine. The FE joined Ford's other V8s which included a small Y-block and the big block MEL engines.

"FE" is an acronym for 'Ford-Edsel'[1]. Versions designed for use in trucks and school buses were known as "FT", an acronym for 'Ford-Truck', and differed primarily by having steel (instead of nodular iron) crankshafts, larger crank snouts and different distributors"

SWIGIN
05-30-2010, 01:30 AM
This is wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt...

"The Ford FE engine is a Ford V8 engine used in vehicles sold in the North American market between 1958 and 1976. A related engine, the Ford FT engine, was used in medium and heavy trucks from 1964 through 1978. The FE filled the need for a medium-displacement engine created by the discontinuation of the Lincoln Y-block V8 engine. The FE joined Ford's other V8s which included a small Y-block and the big block MEL engines.

"FE" is an acronym for 'Ford-Edsel'[1]. Versions designed for use in trucks and school buses were known as "FT", an acronym for 'Ford-Truck', and differed primarily by having steel (instead of nodular iron) crankshafts, larger crank snouts and different distributors"

I'm not saying the dates are right but thats the info I always heard.

Thorpe
05-30-2010, 03:06 PM
I think he was suspended a couple days ago....you'll have to wait for his reply....

Managed to get himself banned according to the list... Looks like being a dink doesnt get you too far! Doesn't bother me though...

RID3R
06-02-2010, 06:20 PM
Have you found out if it does have a 460 or 351? Im in the middle of swapping a transmission from behind a 300 straight six to a 351..

fabiodriven
06-02-2010, 06:29 PM
I haven't. The guy whos truck it is has been dragging his feet. I don't think he's in any rush to sell it.