I was wondering what would be the best/easiest motor to swap into my '61 F100? Right now I'm currently running a stock 223 w/ manual tranny. I've heard good things about both...

 

Anyone? I've done some research but nothing to helpful...

 

From what I've determined looking at the parts manual illustrations the 292 has similar engine mounts to the 223, front center, and on the bell housing. The 300 will require some work in the engine mounts department. You might get a front center engine mount to bolt up to the 300 block, but something will be needed in the way of a crossmember further to the rear, because the bell housing mounts are not present as on a 223. And the 300 had support mount under the transmission. Then the drive shaft will have to be modified, although I don't know if just the length will need to be altered. Of course clutch linkage and throttle linkage is different, and exhaust and intake changed sides. Haven't studied that phase. Then again do you also want to change out that rear end gear to a lower ratio, or are you going to run the 1/8 mile or pull a double axle boat trailer up a steep ramp?

With that being said someone will probably now respond that there is an easier, simpler, (more) better way for 300 swap, without having to add a rear cross member, or some configuration that will bolt right in.

That would be great, bring it on.

I'd like to do a 300 inline 6 swap myself, connected to a 4speed overdrive manual.

For now though I am leaning toward a 292 with 3 speed manual swap out of a 1964 Ford F100. Last year for the 292 engine in a pickup. I believe that is going to be a very simple exchange.

I don't know about if the transmission on a 223 will bolt up to a 292 bell housing or 300 or be the right length and spline pattern. Probably not good to do anyway.

The last time I messed with a 292 was to replace it with a 390, and other than machining the throwout bearing to fit the transmission input shaft, that was an easy swap, in a '56 F700.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm leaning toward the 292 since I may have a line on one...

 

I've managed to accumulate two 292 engines and transmissions , at least one runs clean, and I've removed the old 223 and transmission from the '62 unibody.
I've got two 223 engines will be hauling to the scrap yard. Might stash the old 3 speed, transmissions and clutches, but they don't seem to fit anything else. but 223.

 

240/300/352: 1965 F100/250 4WD, 1965/66 F350, 1966 F250 4WD uses a similar 3 point engine mounting system as 1961/64 F100/350 223/292.

Upper pic related to these 1965/66's, lower pic is 1965/72 2WD & 1966/72 F100 4WD

 

Mounts are similar, but there is absence of exact dimensional information on drawings, thus the typical statement. Real World Physical observation and measurement of trucks in the field, says 300 engine / transmission won't align with stock engine mounts in 61-64 F100 4x2 without some "cut and paste" to use the terms loosely. Also location of center mount could be under the transmission for 300. Not present on 61-63 4x2. With enough welding rod and metal many engine/transmission swaps are possible. I once installed a 1981Honda transverse V engine and transmission in a 1947 Allis Chalmers. Made a fine yard ornament after a few years.
Thanks for the drawings. I have the 61-63 CD illustrations and parts list cd's and there is a lot of information available if you just spend the time to dig it out. The digging is the part that takes so much time.

 

cuellar23, I had a 262 in my '61 and replaced it w/ a 292. The six cyl front mount was just a pair of holes (top & bottom) in the crossmember. Luck would have it that I bought a motor with the front crossmember on it still (the frame was cut fore and aft of the crossmember)! Anyhoo, the V8 mount is different. If you could find a donor p/u, cut the fr mount out and splice to yours. Or it's easy enough to build a custom one though.

 

I think the 292 will be the easiest. The most significant challenge will be the front mount. My truck was originally equipped with a 223. When I bought it, a PO simply used a flat plate that bolted to the frame where the 223 mounts and extended far enough to mount the 292. I have since had a bracket made and installed.
Since I didn't do the swap, I can't be sure, but I do believe all of the driveline can remain the same if you use a 292.
If you use the 300, not only will you have to mount it, you will have to deal with the transmission shift linkage, clutch (if manual) linkage, possibly the drive shaft length will need to change.
If you take a look at the whole picture, I think you will see that the 292 is the easiest. Look for a Y Block from a truck that is complete from the front mount to the bellhousing - the 223 bellhosuing will not work. You can get one from a car, but then you will also have to find the truck related components to swap on which could include replacing the timing cover and bellhousing.

 

Last two posts speak the truth. I verified on the donor '64 truck with 292 V8 . Took some photos now in album Engine Mounts 292.
However, I also made some driveshaft measurements between the '62 original 223 I6 3 speed standard and the '64 F100 with 292 and 3 speed standard and the driveshafts are different lengths. Plus, another driveshaft out of of a '60? 223 3 speed is a 3rd length. So I am planning to just pick the one that fits best in this swap from 223 to 292. The spread is 3 inches from shortest to longest. Ain't that a hoot!
Oh and uh better get the bell housing and transmission with the 292, unless someone knows the transmission from a 223 will fit. Haven't tried that, I'm going with the fully synchronized transmission version that was new in 1964 that's already bolted to the 292 bellhousing. Probably stretch the engine hoist with the weight.

 

Thanks, all good info! I have a line on a few 292s so ill probably go that route since it seems the easiest. I'm tempted to document the whole swap to help other folks in the future since this seems like a popular topic. I'd be nice to have all the info in one place such as what stuff can be used between the 223 and the 292 and what needs to be replaced/modified.

 

That would nice documentation. I'll try to send you messages as I get around to pulling the 292 out of the '64 , go back and carve out the front engine mount and weld into the '62 truck. No telling when I'll do this. The two trucks are just sitting there patiently waiting and I will take lots of photos. At the moment I am running out of places to stash engines under cover. I might have to pull the engine/transmission and put it in the bed of one of the trucks temporarily and cover with a tent. Old pool liners work great for that function. This is hail season now so I have to reserve at least two parking spots under cover for higher priority vehicles, read that wife's car and my F250 4wd diesel truck.

 

Work continues on the 292 engine addition / engine swap. Installed the transmission today. Will have to use a shorter drive shaft than what was originally used on the 223 6 cylinder . Measurements indicate the drive shaft out of the '64 F100 short bed with 292 will work. Also using bell housing, and three speed transmission out of same '64 F100 that is full synchro, or so I have been led to believe. Used an eleven inch clutch since that was what was on the donor 292 engine originally in a '63 F250 four wheel drive. Not sure yet how the shift linkage is going to work out. work temp halted by rain again. If i could drive it I'd put it in the barn. Then i could complain about the heat. Engine will start and run via miscellaneous temporary wiring. No radiator plumbing yet.