Jmjuhl
Newbie
I know this topic has likely been beat to death but I am going to kick the dead horse one more time for good measure because the search function isnt the best.
In the planning process of frame off and trying to iron out my powertrain before I move forward with my 74. Current setup is 302, 3sp floor shift, Dana 20, 44, 9". I have researched engine swaps until I can barely see straight and wanted to get some input from the group.
Ultimate goal is reliability and drivability so I am pretty set on EFI of some sort. The purist in me is gravitating towards a crate motor 351W or stroker variant like 408 with something like the Pro Flo EFI. They just sound at home in the EB's. My hang up is the perception of bugs with aftermarket EFI systems and streetability, overheating, etc.
The other side of the coin would be a Gen 3 Mustang or F150 Coyote swap. Should check all the reliability boxes but the pure low end torque for wheeling, although still a significant improvement over stock 302. F150 motor would provide lower end range but degree of difficulty goes up a bit more as I would have to source a low mile pull out motor which has some risk.
Planned usage will be 50-60% street usage, short trips to the beach with wife and two younger boys, and occasional 70-80 mile trips to family property. Living in a large city highway usage will be guaranteed so road manners are important. Other 40% or so will be mild to average weekend wheeling (little rock crawling) and general skinny pedal fun.
90% sure I stick with a manual with OD (Ax15 or TR 4050), Plan is to build the 44 front with RCVs and a LSD/Locker, 9" rear with 35 spline and Eaton TruTrack...4.56 gears, Atlas 2, 1350 yokes and shafts. Probably overkill but want it to handle power, and not that I plan to ever sell it but thinking of resale if I do. 2.5" suspension lift, 1" body for clearance, 35 x12.50's
In the planning process of frame off and trying to iron out my powertrain before I move forward with my 74. Current setup is 302, 3sp floor shift, Dana 20, 44, 9". I have researched engine swaps until I can barely see straight and wanted to get some input from the group.
Ultimate goal is reliability and drivability so I am pretty set on EFI of some sort. The purist in me is gravitating towards a crate motor 351W or stroker variant like 408 with something like the Pro Flo EFI. They just sound at home in the EB's. My hang up is the perception of bugs with aftermarket EFI systems and streetability, overheating, etc.
The other side of the coin would be a Gen 3 Mustang or F150 Coyote swap. Should check all the reliability boxes but the pure low end torque for wheeling, although still a significant improvement over stock 302. F150 motor would provide lower end range but degree of difficulty goes up a bit more as I would have to source a low mile pull out motor which has some risk.
Planned usage will be 50-60% street usage, short trips to the beach with wife and two younger boys, and occasional 70-80 mile trips to family property. Living in a large city highway usage will be guaranteed so road manners are important. Other 40% or so will be mild to average weekend wheeling (little rock crawling) and general skinny pedal fun.
90% sure I stick with a manual with OD (Ax15 or TR 4050), Plan is to build the 44 front with RCVs and a LSD/Locker, 9" rear with 35 spline and Eaton TruTrack...4.56 gears, Atlas 2, 1350 yokes and shafts. Probably overkill but want it to handle power, and not that I plan to ever sell it but thinking of resale if I do. 2.5" suspension lift, 1" body for clearance, 35 x12.50's