1961 Ford Econoline, Engine Swap

[NickP]

Today I purchased my 3rd Ford with an I6 motor. This time it's a 1961 Econoline Van and I need help!

I want to put together some notes for the future of my van and the big one is, can you replace the 144 with a 300? If so, what do I need to know?

Any videos or links to additional information are very welcome. You can assume I know nothing, because I don't know anything....



Nick

 

[Firepower354]

Several good threads on HAMB, like:

Econoline: Engine swap!

So you want to swap out that small six? This is an attempt to compile the knowledge from various internet sources and my own personal experience...

www.jalopyjournal.com

 

[Frank]

Nick, the article confirmed my concern about putting a 240/300 into you '61. You will have to beef up what supports it. The 300 is heavier and larger (height and length) than the 144. With about twice the power too, so your trans and maybe the rear need upgrading as well.
My point is not to rehash the artic but to say that anything is possible, and doable, so don't dismiss the dream. I've seen many crazy swaps between brands (my son has a 350 Chevy in a 85 "3" series BMW)- and some over-the-top swaps, like a V-12 marine diesel in a semi.
A 240 or 300 in a '61 E'line would be very sweet and satisfying to drive.

 

[NickP]

Nick, the article confirmed my concern about putting a 240/300 into you '61. You will have to beef up what supports it. The 300 is heavier and larger (height and length) than the 144. With about twice the power too, so your trans and maybe the rear need upgrading as well.
My point is not to rehash the artic but to say that anything is possible, and doable, so don't dismiss the dream. I've seen many crazy swaps between brands (my son has a 350 Chevy in a 85 "3" series BMW)- and some over-the-top swaps, like a V-12 marine diesel in a semi.
A 240 or 300 in a '61 E'line would be very sweet and satisfying to drive.

Nothing is ever easy. I was hoping to replace the 3-speed with a C4 anyway so trans upgrade is ok. I would like like to keep the rear but replacing it can at least get me a posi, maybe a 9in.

Thanks for the simplified explanation!

 

[Frank]

I would like like to keep the rear

In my experience, differentials can withstand more power than they were engineered for and last, when the vehicle is driven thoughtfully and responsibly. The factory rear will probably work fine with a stock 300, unless you routinely drive aggressively. Hard takeoffs, spinning tires, etc. I suggest doing the engine/ trans swap first, change the diff oil and drive it. Then you can accurately judge if it should be upgraded too. As one with limited time and modest resources, my moto is, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

[NickP]

In my experience, differentials can withstand more power than they were engineered for and last, when the vehicle is driven thoughtfully and responsibly. The factory rear will probably work fine with a stock 300, unless you routinely drive aggressively. Hard takeoffs, spinning tires, etc. I suggest doing the engine/ trans swap first, change the diff oil and drive it. Then you can accurately judge if it should be upgraded too. As one with limited time and modest resources, my moto is, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Good advice. My plan as of right now

Get it running well with the 144
do all the body work
replace the motor
replace the trans
use the van as intended (work van)

Future plans
replace rear
replace suspension

 

[bmbm40]

The 250 might be a good fit.

 

[NickP]

The 250 might be a good fit.

Didn't think it could move as much weight as the 300

 

[bmbm40]

True because it is about 18% less displacement so approximately 18% less power. I considered this when deciding on the upgrade from the 200 that was in my Bronco and for me the fairly substantial extra work to get the 300 in opposed to the 250 just wasn't worth it not to mention the added weight which is probably only about 60 lbs, just guessing. And a 250 with a cam, bumped compression and curved DSII would probably make up that 18% gap or most of it. I can tell you that the stock 250 moves my approximately 4000 lb Bronco very well although the 5 speed trans contributes to that.

 

[NickP]

I hear you. I need it to move several thousand lbs of inventory. So a built 300 would move even more know what I'm saying

 

[pmuller9]

Nick
Do you do your own welding and fabrication?

 

[NickP]

Nick
Do you do your own welding and fabrication?

Not even a little bit. My brother is the welder I'm just the jackass who constantly makes him do it.

 

[pmuller9]

I’m for the 300 but it will take some motor mount fabrication and engine box mods. I was just wondering how you would accomplish that.

 

[NickP]

I’m for the 300 but it will take some motor mount fabrication and engine box mods. I was just wondering how you would accomplish that.

At this point I have no idea. Once I confur with the people around me who actually know what they're doing I would be happy to let everyone know how it was accomplished.

Maybe I'll shoot a video

 

[agave248]

How about a 2.3-2.5 lima engine? Good power, good size and easy to turbocharge

 

[Gene 64 2dr]

I would go with the 250. Size and weight wise would be a better choice. I had a 64 window van with a 144 once and replaced Ii with 250. very easy swap.

 

[aussie7mains]

You could always get really exotic and to to a barra!