Making a Pontiac Truck/motor conversion
Ides
03-31-2008, 02:08 PM
Hey Everyone!!
I have had enough with diesel prices, and am going to go to a mid 60's to mid 70's pickup. Pontiac's always were great (potential) truck motors with the torque curve they have.
I have read of several swaps involving a Chevy/GMC truck to poncho motor, but have not found anything about doing this Frankenstien on a Ford. Does anyone have experience with this?
Considering either a 400, or a 440 (400 w/455 crank) as time/money/parts allow.
Would love to here your thoughts, and any words of wisdom from people famaliar with the transplant.
Thanks!
I have had enough with diesel prices, and am going to go to a mid 60's to mid 70's pickup. Pontiac's always were great (potential) truck motors with the torque curve they have.
I have read of several swaps involving a Chevy/GMC truck to poncho motor, but have not found anything about doing this Frankenstien on a Ford. Does anyone have experience with this?
Considering either a 400, or a 440 (400 w/455 crank) as time/money/parts allow.
Would love to here your thoughts, and any words of wisdom from people famaliar with the transplant.
Thanks!
MrPbody
03-31-2008, 04:57 PM
The Pontiac is perhaps the best "truck" engine (gas) GM ever made. Too bad they stopped using them in trucks in '62... (GMCs of the era had Pontiac V8s)
A couple of things. First, a "440" Pontiac is a .060" over 428 (4" stroke). A 400 (.030 over) block with a "455" crank in it is a 461. There are mass numbers of rotating "kits" available for that combination today. The Eagle kit is the better one, IMO.
A true 455 is an excellent choice as well, as a truck engine doesn't need to rev to the moon. The larger main journals are a liability in a performance engine, but not so in a torque engine. It's not difficult to get 400 horsepower and 550 lb. ft. from a 455. With judicious selection of carb, intake and cam, decent fuel mileage (>15 MPG) is also attainable.
The mounting points in the Ford F-series aren't TOO far off, especially when using the 460 stuff. By adding a 90 degree piece of angle iron, the Pontiac is pretty easy to install. Headers may cause SOME issues, but factory exhaust manifolds aren't bad, particularly the "HO" units. The rear sump can make it necessary to install it a bit "high", depending on the era of Ford.
Of course, TH400 is called for. Not much trouble adapting the shifter there, and the mount is not a monumental task.
All that being said, and those here KNOW I'm a "Pontiac bigot", there's nothing wrong with building a 370 Ford for fuel economy and low-end torque. Virtually all the "good" parts for 429/460 will fit it. The heads have small valves and well-designed runners. We use a Comp "RV" cam in them for HD trucks regularly. Edelbrock Performer, little (key) Holley, Comp DE cam, decent headers, strong ignition, quality machine work, a GREAT truck engine.
Something to think about, anyway...
Jim
A couple of things. First, a "440" Pontiac is a .060" over 428 (4" stroke). A 400 (.030 over) block with a "455" crank in it is a 461. There are mass numbers of rotating "kits" available for that combination today. The Eagle kit is the better one, IMO.
A true 455 is an excellent choice as well, as a truck engine doesn't need to rev to the moon. The larger main journals are a liability in a performance engine, but not so in a torque engine. It's not difficult to get 400 horsepower and 550 lb. ft. from a 455. With judicious selection of carb, intake and cam, decent fuel mileage (>15 MPG) is also attainable.
The mounting points in the Ford F-series aren't TOO far off, especially when using the 460 stuff. By adding a 90 degree piece of angle iron, the Pontiac is pretty easy to install. Headers may cause SOME issues, but factory exhaust manifolds aren't bad, particularly the "HO" units. The rear sump can make it necessary to install it a bit "high", depending on the era of Ford.
Of course, TH400 is called for. Not much trouble adapting the shifter there, and the mount is not a monumental task.
All that being said, and those here KNOW I'm a "Pontiac bigot", there's nothing wrong with building a 370 Ford for fuel economy and low-end torque. Virtually all the "good" parts for 429/460 will fit it. The heads have small valves and well-designed runners. We use a Comp "RV" cam in them for HD trucks regularly. Edelbrock Performer, little (key) Holley, Comp DE cam, decent headers, strong ignition, quality machine work, a GREAT truck engine.
Something to think about, anyway...
Jim
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