1965 F100 project

[colt176]

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