1983 Engine Swap Question...

TennesseeOutlaw67 · Nov 29, 2009

I have a 1983 F-100. Current motor is a 3.8L 232 V-6. Had the head blow on me a week or so ago. Not sure yet exactly how much damage was done to bottom half. Motor is a Jasper replacement which was installed back in 2002. Figured I'd be better off to replace the whole thing due to the age, since I've only had the truck for the last 18 months. Been on here pricing a re-manufactured 232 motor and best price I could locate seemed to be around the $1200-$1400 range. Also noticed I could pick up a 302 motor for roughly the same price. I had considered looking into changing the truck over to a 302 before, due to wanting to have towing power for a camper later on. Question is how difficult would this actually be? I know I'll have to buy the new add-ons since the stuff from my 232 wouldn't work. But what about hooking up to the wire harness, transmission (think I'll be ok providing I've got a C4) and such. Should I stay with a carburator or not? Is there any place to get reference material on a swap like this? Any assistance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. Thanks.

Dwayne
Chattanooga, TN

lostin90s · Nov 29, 2009

Since u have a 83 carbed truck .. I never heard of a v6 F150 so not a clue (Didn't know was option. ).

But the wiring was simple then should be a matter of engine mounts ,flywheel differences ,u will need to find all accessories for front and intakes . But the 302 is common and easy to find donors for.

The C4 will last some but a C6 would be better.

I'd find a truck to get parts off of even if u buy new motor you will have all brackets etc will be there as well as plug and play wiring.

Good luck

bronc76 · Nov 29, 2009

Like 90 said, look for a donor truck from same era, it would probably be cheaper than finding all parts from other places, and the C4 will bolt right up. You also might want to keep the emissions just in case you need it.

krafty · Dec 3, 2009

I would have to agree, I have only ever heard of the 80's full sizes using a 300ci straight 6.

andre 244 · Jan 4, 2010

by the look of it look like you're have to replace tranms flywheel maybe even tranms
best bet get 5.0 or 5,8 v8 donor truck
in long run be easy to get parts
starter diffrerent and more