My 65’ F-250

[Keep65Alive]

Just picked up this gem. The motor is in very rough shape since originally removed and left outside with no valve covers. SMH so thinking motors and modernizing, has anyone ever put a 6.3 raptor motor or a 7.3 gas in these old trucks. I know the coyote is a popular thing to do.

Thanks for the feedback.

[85lebaront2]

Welcome to the group, 65 is a bit early compared to our Bullnoses, basic chassis design was pretty similar up through 1979. You have the twin I-beams but the steering is behind the axles instead of in front.

As far as engine swaps, a rear sump pan may be an issue as these trucks typically used a front sump configuration with the drain plug on the back side of the sump. Engines through 1979 ranged from a 240 six through the 460, but I don't recall any diesels.

Truck doesn't look too bad for a nearly 60 year old vehicle.

[ArdWrknTrk]

I don't think there was a diesel option until 1983 when Ford brought back the 460 and also offered a hydraulic clutch, Bill...

I always thought the Godzilla engine was huge, but checking the size it appears about the same as my 460.
Maybe it just looks chunky because of all the 'stuff' needed to support it?

That is a cool truck! And although I dont have much to offer I'd like to see what you end up doing with it.  👍

[Keep65Alive]

Thanks for the info. I have the hood on now and the original motor/trans is in the bed of the truck. Dash shows 14k miles on it.

[85lebaront2]

On the frame, at the suspension crossmember are the engine mount perches that the mounts on the side of the engine go onto. They are engine family specific, but since the same basic configuration was used from the 60s through 1979, it becomes a case of (a) what engine did it have and (b) is it compatible with what you want to use.

I took a 1977 F150 from a 300 six to a 390 camper special engine. Frame perches from a junkyard and a bigger radiator (the core support had a removable piece of panel for the larger radiator).

[grumpin]

Welcome!