1965 F100 project
 

Hi guys,

I have a 1965 F100 that I've been working on for a few years now, its what inspired my passion for cars, and I love the truck(I'm 17). Anyways the old 352 engine (with a thee on the tree tranny) has always had a slight tick from the valves but recently has developed a knocking from the bottom end. I think the engine is on its way out, and I was looking for some advice as to what to do.

Money is the top priority, but I still want to do it right. The truck is far from a show peice but I want to be able to cruise on the weekends. It wouldn't bother me to put in a new engine, but I'm not that knowledgeable about these engines and their compatibility to the current transmission. Would it make sense to do an engine swap or a rebuild? And what engines would be a direct bolt on, or require minimal modifications.

Thanks for the help

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

Any '65 and later FE (352, 390, 427, 428) Ford engine is a bolt in. 1964 and earlier don't have the correct motor mount bosses cast into the block, but it's an easy fix by using steel plate. You could also use a Windsor, Cleveland or 385 series engine without a lot of work

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

We had recently put a new clutch and flywheel on, could that be salvaged and put on any of the engines you listed?

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

since money is an issue and you dont have a lot of experience i would stick with 352,360,390.the bigger engines like 427 are pricey.these engines came in trucks from 65 to 76 and are not hard to find.they are drop ins.they came in cars from 58 to 70 but as craig said you will need to do some mount work if older than 65.

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

The flywheel will only fit the FE engines up to the 428, its balanced different. It will also fit the early 429 and 460, but the bolts need to be shortened.

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

I'm with Darrell stick with what came with it. You'll get plenty of experience just installing what came in it without having to try an piece in something different. You can always install something different down the road once you get more time under the hood. Sweet looking truck you have there.

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

Time to " get out & get under", drop the pan and see what ya' got. Slip some bearings in an go on, if the crank is OK.
Check to be sure the fuel pump is not your noise, also, ground out one plug at a time. That may show where the problem is if it is a rod or a piston pin.
The 352 is a good motor, I had the same '60 model motor in both a '56 car and a '56 panel, put A LOT of miles on that one.

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

A decision to change one seemingly small or simple thing usually results in several other changes that need to be made in order to accomplish that. Then each of those secondary changes will probably require other changes/modifications as well. And it goes on. (Voice of experience here!)

As others have stated, fix what you have, or replace with the same thing that's already there. At 17, you have lots of time to spend chasing rabbits later on when you get a little more comfortable, both in knowledge and finances.

Re: 1965 F100 project
 

True story, and good advice from CarlG.

I wanted to put spark plugs in a 292 engine, ended up changing out the whole engine. Another fellow here wanted to put on an oem style fuel filter... and the same thing happened.
Don't go overboard on a first project, keeping it simple is a good thing.

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Re: 1965 F100 project
 

You stated you had the flywheel off , I would remove the clutch dust cover and make sure the flywheel did not come loose . What is the oil pressure at hot idle ?