The original 215 in my '53 F-100 starts and runs fine, but it is seriously lacking in the HP department. It's original, and has 75k on the odometer, but that could easily be 175k. Needless to say, she needs some help with the old get-up-n-go. I want to be able to road trip all over the western US, and this means highway travel at speed. My whole intent with this truck is to keep it "period correct" - that is, if I change anything from stock, I want to replace it with bits & pieces that would have been around in the late 50's or early-to mid 60's. Which brings me to my conundrum... I absolutely LOVE inline sixes. However, I don't think even a hopped up 223 or 240 would really give me enough juice for mountain passes and continuous cruising at 65. The idea of tossing in a 300 six and a manual from a mid-70's F-150 crossed my mind, but that's not very authentic. As for a V8 swap, I'd love to drop a warmed over 292 in there, or maybe an early FE (352? 390?). I'd even stretch the style envelope a little for a Pontiac 400 or even an Olds 330...but all of these choices mean finding a suitable donor mill and then a rebuild. And probably a transmission swap, if I go with anything other than a flathead or a Y-block. That in itself isn't a big issue, just another bunch of pieces to add to the puzzle. Lastly, there's the ubiquitous SBC. There's a lot going for this one, since (new) crate engines are plentiful and relatively cheap, and vintage-style parts (or re-pops) are readily available. And even though it would solve the power problem, and be a straightforward swap, it's the bellybutton solution, and not one I'm really excited about. Nothing against guys running SBCs in their ride, mind you. So what do you HAMBers suggest? Other than opening up my retirement savings for a fully built flattie, that is...
There is a little discussed 262 Ford truck engine from the period you mention. They were used in 1961 thru 1964 models, being replaced by the 240/300 series engines in 1965 models. Probably one out there somewhere if you ask around or advertise for one. Look in F-500/F-600 trucks, school busses, maybe larger route vans or industrial applications. Coupled with a 4 or 5 speed trans with a compatible rear axle ratio and tire size, it would do anything you have described. edit: I know this comment will be considered blasphemy here on the HAMB, but a 'flattie' is not even close to being a solution to your quest. It will cost a LOT of money to do correctly and deliver minimal power in return. Then there are the common heating issues to contend with. Ray
You say the 300 six is not very authenic but neither are your other ideas really. I say go with the 300 and a T5 and get on down the road. You will waste a lot of time tracking down an old traditional engine then spend a lot of money on it only to find it is underpowered and your truck will perform about the way it does now.
Don't toss the 215 just yet......it can be made to run much better. Pop in a later duraspark distributor, add a dual carb manifold or a 2 bbl and you might be surprised at how well it runs. Add an OD or better gears for highway driving. My F-1 has a pretty stock flat V8(100 hp?) and a 5 speed. It will run 70-75 all day.
I totally forgot about the 262. And I hear you about the flattie. I like the idea, but...not really what I need. I thought it was later, but you are correct. It was '65. I'll be doing a little compression test on the old girl at some point this weekend to see if a rebuild is in the works...
A small block Chevy is only as belly button as you make it. A 2 x 4 set up tge right carbs and valve covers can be very period correct. People were swapping small blocks into stuff in 55' because they work and they work good. But if you throw the chrome valve covers and performer intake on it yeah its a belly button. 2 x4 or tripower with some slick old finned valve covers (think dual quad vette motor) ram horns run thru porters sounds great and looks like 1963 is cheaper than just about any alternative. Dead reliable and parts are available everywhere. Not to mention all the easy trans choices....
Like Boyd said those early Old's were the hot to go deal in early those trucks, I put one in my buds with the stock hydro and pulled his ski boat just fine A fresh one would be period perfect and get you where ever you want to go, as a lot of trucks like that towed fueler's all over the USA DND
I hear you, I do. There are a lot of things going for the SBC. I already have a set of old Cal Custom finned valve covers in my garage (saved for a rainy day). A brand new, vintage-style dual or triple carb setup is a mouse click away...food for thought.
I quite like belly buttons. But I'm going for a straight six on my next project as roads where I live are garbage, and I have no need for much power.
All those Ford OHV sixes were good engines.I once owned a 60 Ford SW,about 4500 lbs of it with a 223 and 3 speed.Drove it from Florida to knoxville tenn. to visit family.No problem over the mountains.All the engine had done to it was a shaved head (.040") a 2 bbl carb on an adaptor and a split manifold. Of course it was a nice fresh engine too.
I vote FE. Plenty of grunt, made quite a bit of power with stock parts, readily available speed parts.
I'll toss out a couple of random thoughts. Back around '68 I worked for a guy who had a bone stock 289 in his '53 and it was a fine driving truck. Plenty of power and the 'little guy' was easy on fuel. If looking traditional is required then it should be OK since the small block showed up in '64. In the same time frame, there were plenty of Olds, Cad, Buick and, of course, EarlyHemi engines finding their way into the F1/F100. I don't recall the FE being used as much. The 332 and 352 just weren't popular and the 390 was expensive. I think that every Y block I ever saw smoked or leaked like a sieve and rarely used in swaps. In those days, big inches was King. Yes, the Olds/Cad/Buick/Hemi can be equally expensive to rebuild if you don't shop around for prices. Finding a 'runner' doesn't mean it's good; it could have a million miles on it. But, these can be extremely reliable and certainly easy on the eyes. Fuel consumption is a by-product of the fun-factor and your right foot. One last suggestion is the Mopar B&RB engine. First year was '58 so that works and there are millions of them and quite reasonable to rebuild, and more power that you'll need in a truck. .
Everything is a trade off , if you low ball it you take the chance of something going wrong Spend a few bucks more and do it right for a package that will last, you will be better off in the long run What ever you put in there if done right will cost some money now days DND
Just to clarify comments in my earlier post, I was not advocating for the Ford 262 six, merely pointing out it might meet the OP's criteria outlined in his opening post. Were I choosing, but still keeping in mind his stated performance/economy goals, I agree with 73RR and would use a 289 SBF. Or, the 300 inch Ford six. Both will accept a wide variety of Ford transmissions without needing an adapter. Ray
Thanks for all the input. There were some interesting choices mentioned, including the SBF, which I didn't even consider at first. I really like the idea of the 300 cube Ford six. Even though it wouldn't be "traditional", I do love inline six-bangers, and a fresh engine would meet my needs for power and economy. A few go-fast goodies for these motors are available. I've also found rebuilt longblocks for sale at reasonable prices. I could also probably pull one - and the matching 4 speed - out of one of the many F-series trucks on the local CL for not much cash.
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