Ford pickup motor swap questions

[fabiodriven]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[fabiodriven]

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]

only lil boys wear bow ties

[jeffatc250r]

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

[cattle-dog]

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]

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]

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!

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]

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]

fabiodriven you think chevy's are big piles of shite do ya? U wanna race? lol

[fabiodriven]

Dude, don't tell me that's salt....

[dirtbiken]

Dude, chevys will eat fords anywhere anytime. Just so you know.

[SWIGIN]

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