I’m a new member and I know this is am old thread but hopefully a can get some answers. I’ve been looking to do an engine swap on my 1989 F-150 from a 4.9 to 5.0. I know the 4.9 is a great engine but I rarely tow so I don’t need the low end torque. Im from Oregon and in my area I've only seen mustang 5.0 engines for sale. I’ve seen in YouTube videos a of an 86’ f150 with a 5.0 from a mustang but i wanted to know how hard would fitment be? Also i am looking to keep my truck with a 5 speed. Would my tranny hold the 5.0 power and would it bolt right up? I have more questions but I have to get started somewhere.

thanks you in advance!

 

It's pretty close to a boltin, but you will need to sort out the computer and wiring harness. Tranny is fine as long as it's a stock or close to stock 5.0, the 5.0 will need a manual transmission flywheel, not a flexplate for an automatic.

 

Julian, welcome to Ford and the gang. Here's the straight skinny, if you are having to ask these simple questions on a forum, you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do this kind of swap. It's not a simple bolt in. There's nothing simple about it. You should know this answer without having to look it up- Do you know the difference between a 302 carbed engine internally vs an EFI internally? If you don't know that answer in your head, look for a different truck with an engine you want. But here's something for you to consider, the biggest bang in the butt for power is not the engine, it's the gear ratio in the axles.

 

Better to get and use a truck engine, because the Mustang 302’s intake is different compared to the truck’ 302. But you will find that after all things considered, you’d really be better off swapping in a 351 instead because the 302 barely makes any more appreciable power and torque than the 300.....I’ve got 10k miles since I finished my 300 to 351 swap last September and I love how differently my truck drives now compared to the old six....

 

I have a 1995 f150 with the 4.9 auto and I’m doing a complete motor and transmission swap out of my 1988 f150 with the 302 auto. I was wondering if the engine wiring harness would hook right up to the truck harness or would I have to do some swapping ? Thanks in advance

 

Not sure about the differences between the '88s and the '95s. I do know that when I did my swap, I had the F250 engine harness which phsically plugged into my main harness but had no plugs for the airbag sensors and the plugs for the wiper motor were different as well. Of course my wipers and radio didn't function either until I swapped the proper F150 351 engine harness.

 

which transmission did you use for that 351? Will the 5speed that came with the 300 work?

 

Yes it will work, but it's a light duty transmission so don't beat on it.

 

Yeah, I used my M5OD and it bolted on with no problems. I did drain it and used Synchromax manual transmission oil instead of Dexron ATF and it shifts soooo much better.

 

So I have a 1988 Ford F150 with a 4.9 I already have a 1987 302 built backstock ,Efi ,little cam I want to know if a 1991 engine harness will work I have everything I need except for engine harness Thought about HO it thought about Carburetor decided I did not want to do that help me out