'79 E150 / 460/C6 swap

[wailmeister]

Anyone know if a 460/C6 combo will fit into a stock '79 E150 with no AC? They were optional in the '79 E250 and 350s but I assume the frames in those are different from the E150 and I'm wondering if the motor mount brackets might be located lower and/or wider in the chassis to allow for better clearance under the engine cover. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[ITSA 7]

In 1992 I put a 460 and C-6 into a 1982 E-150. Long ago enough that all I remember is that I made my own motor mounts, used 460 truck headers and MSD dist and box. Stock shift linkage hooked up. Engine had a small cam and an 850 double pumper, with a 3 wheeler in the back and the race car on the trailer, I could pass anything but a gas station.

 

[wailmeister]

Anyone know if a 460/C6 combo will fit into a stock '79 E150 with no AC? They were optional in the '79 E250 and 350s but I assume the frames in those are different from the E150 and I'm wondering if the motor mount brackets might be located lower and/or wider in the chassis to allow for better clearance under the engine cover. Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks for the info. '79 and '82 frames should be the same. Fabricating parts won't be a problem. Just don't want to have to make any modifications to the frame or body. Getting the 302 out of the "hole" and the 460 in without a forklift might be a challenge, though. Do you remember how you did it?

 

[ITSA 7]

Took a while to remember--first thing I remember was that my wife learned some new words. Put jack stands under the rear axle and ramps under the front wheels. Made a new hook for the engine hoist and ran the chains as close to the intake manifold as possible. Installed the engine and transmission together. I handled the hoist and the wife worked the floor jack under the transmission. Original engine was a 300-6 with a small block C-6 so I used the stock transmission crossmember, but I do not remember whether I had to modify it. Small block C-6 U-Joint fit the BB C-6.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I did similar to itsa7 when I R+R'ed the 460 in my 89 RV. It was a pain by myself. I cant remember exactly how I hooked up the engine/trans combo, but I used a 4-point method of hanging the engine with a ratchet strap at the trans side so i could change the angle of the dangle. Even so i ended up man-handling it into place. Just not enough room to have it be easy. Especially with the EFI manifold.

 

[wailmeister]

I did similar to itsa7 when I R+R'ed the 460 in my 89 RV. It was a pain by myself. I cant remember exactly how I hooked up the engine/trans combo, but I used a 4-point method of hanging the engine with a ratchet strap at the trans side so i could change the angle of the dangle. Even so i ended up man-handling it into place. Just not enough room to have it be easy. Especially with the EFI manifold.

Yeah, raising the vehicle to improve angle of attack is the way to go if you have the means. A buddy has a couple of drive-on lifts at his shop. I figure if I level the boom on the hoist and raise and lower the truck as needed I should be able to roll that 720 lb monster into place without too much trouble. Here's to hoping. Thanks, guys!