Thread: FE Swap - Power vs Mileage

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Hi, new guy here. I have a '69 F-250 with a 360. So far it's been just a dump hauler but I'd like to restore it. I plan on getting a small 5th wheel and using it as the tow vehicle.

I guess my first question is whether restoring the '69 or just buying a newer vehicle would make more sense.

The '69 is a Camper Special so I assume the basics for towing are there.

Also, I was expecting to restore the '69 someday anyway so it's not just a dollars and sense issue. I have a '65 Mustang and the truck would be a nice complement.

The body's solid, only some surface rust, but I expect I'd have to replace the entire power train, shocks, etc. as well as the interior. I can't however restore it AND buy a newer vehicle for towing. It's one or the other. So if there are serious downsides to using the '69 I'll have to decide, keep it and rethink the 5th wheel or sell it for a newer vehicle.

If I do keep and restore it then the next question is repowering it. The 360 sucks gas like crazy, not something I want to be feeding as I travel around.
What would be a recommended engine that would get better mileage, be an easy swap, but still have the power to pull a small 5th wheel? It's a 3 speed auto btw.

What's the collective wisdom on these issues?

The FE's were not built in a time when gas mileage was even a consideration... Repowering with a 390 built with the right parts will make a very nice toter truck, but again, forget the mileage deal, especially when towing.... I switched to diesel powered toter's years ago, and would never again consider a gas powered truck to tow with....

Is yours a 2 WD or 4 WD??? If it's a 2 WD and you are up to some fabricating, might want to consider going diesel power!!!! If you don't like a bunch of work and a lot of fabricating, better buy a newer one.

Interesting Dave. If you had this fellow's '69, what diesel would you consider? Maybe we can line out an engine swap for him.

It just makes me cringe to think of buying anything new. Taxes, depreciation and EGAD....monthly payments!!!!!!

An older truck that is well-done with upgraded components will always have a good market value, so I wouldn't hesitate to spend some bucks on it.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Interesting Dave. If you had this fellow's '69, what diesel would you consider? Maybe we can line out an engine swap for him.

It just makes me cringe to think of buying anything new. Taxes, depreciation and EGAD....monthly payments!!!!!!

An older truck that is well-done with upgraded components will always have a good market value, so I wouldn't hesitate to spend some bucks on it.

Heck, I'd put either a Ford Powerstroke or a Cummins (Dodge truck variety) in it. A 3/4 ton chassis is on the light side, but with some heavier front springs it will do fine.

Well, there you go remo. Start shopping for an engine/trans combo that you can rebuild.

Forgot to mention, it's 2 wheel drive.

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