Hey guys,

I'm going to replace the engine in my dad's 1989 F150 and I'd like some opinions.

The enigine is dead in his 89 with the I6 300 and a manual tranny. He's been using my 2000 with the 5.4 auto for the last few weeks and he wants to convert his to an auto when he replaces the engine.

Here's the question: Would it be better to buy a rebuilt I6 and find an auto transmission for it, or to buy a newer V8? I found a 5.4 with low mileage with an auto transmission for $2000, which is close to the cost of a rebuilt I6 and tranny from what I've found.

Conversion too tough or would you go with the V8?

Thanks,

Tim

 

You might want to talk to a dealership, the service dept possibly, they will give you a good idea as to wheather or not the motor mounts line up, the change to the auto should not be too hard, you might need to fabricate a floor shifter or buy parts from an auto to convert yours. If you dont do the floor shifter and opt for the column shifter, you will need to cover the hole, I would use dynomat from a stereo shop and match the carpet.

 

Tim,

The thing to keep in mind when going to a newer V8 is that you would also need the wiring harness and PCM for it.
Then you would need to get a trans that worked with that PCM ( i.e. if you wanted to put in a 4R100, the 2WD ( if that is what it is ) normally has a 4R70 mated with it. 4x4 has the 4R100, but then the PCM would not have a transfer case in there.

Long way of saying that $2k for the engine, is that the engine only or does all the other goodies come with it ( PCM, wiring harness, etc ).

Just a thought beyond the physical mate up of the motor mounts, which should be able to be done by a little fabricating, maybe ?

Just a few thoughts on changing from the engines that were available that year to another years...

Good luck let us know which way you go, and how it goes.