Might as well have my first post be something complicated.

So I have a 2wd 1981 F150, 300 with a 4 speed, AC, 2.75 9" rear end.

Truck had been sitting for about 10 year outside and got a good deal on it, body in great shape, needs a bit of interior help.

Rebuilt the carb, all new belts/hoses, waterpump, fired it up drove about 10 miles and then rebuilt all the brakes, new master cylinder, new exhaust.

My dilema is I beleive one of the push in studs in the head backed out a bit and has bent a push rod, not sure if there is other damage. Engine seemed ok before but it has 180k miles and should probably rebuild the longblock or a swap of the following engine choices.

-351w out of a 72 torino, i believe it has a c4, has about 40k miles on it.

-351c 2v out of a 70 ranchero, not exaclty sure what the mileage is, could be a c4 or fmx i suppose. if it's the fmx i wouldn't go that route.

I just need a truck to finish the remodel of my kitchen so it won't be getting a ton of miles or hauling anything too heavy.

I'm pretty sure these all came with c6's so would the c4 mount properly?

Might have access to a few auto steering columns but is the swap from manual to auto a huge deal?

Parts list so far to swap is:
-motor mounts
-frame perches
-radiator
-carb linkage
-steering column
-drive shaft

I wouldn't be totally opposed to rebuilding the 6 but i'm just looking to do this in the most cost effective way.

Open to all ideas.

Thanks.

 

I've decided to go with the 351w. I already have some of the parts to do the swap and most of the work will be in the steering column and C4 mounting.

If anyone has experience or comments on that I would be appreciative.