1997 block swap for a 1976 block

I have a 1976 F150 with a cracked 460 block, still have complete engine. I also have an 1997 F350 with a 460 that has major body damage but engine is almost brand new. Before I go to all the work of swapping them out I just wanted to confirm that the blocks are the same and I can swap them out with out any major difficulties.

Shouldn't have a problem, however, cylinder heads and intakes will be different.

Excellent, thanks for your reply.

Internal balance cranks don't fit D9 blocks without some clearancing.

Ok, thanks

!976 should be internal balance, later engines external. Flex Plate/ Flywheel and Hatchet/Spacer weight will be different, and need to be right. I am not sure on fuel pump opening and cam eccentric, if you run mechanical fuel pump? May have to add eccentric to new engine? As I understand both use standard rotation water pumps, but the late models may have different bolt spacing on water pump snout, and your old pulley and fan may not match? No major problems, but check everything carefully.

That clears thing up alot, thank you for your quick response and comment.

I am not sure on the flexplate/flywheel tooth count either for the new stuff? Maybe someone else will chime in on that? I am glad Schmitty mentioned clearancing for the crank, I was thinking you where going to use the whole shortblock, with your old top end. If you used the starter from the new engine the tooth count will not matter, if they are different.

Don't the early 80's blocks (and later) have longer cylinder barrels? Hence the smaller crankshaft counterweight (diameter), additional external counterweight ("hatchet", weight between the damper and crank timing gear). As to other concerns, accessories will interchange.

Dave.

LivermoreDave wrote:Don't the early 80's blocks (and later) have longer cylinder barrels? Hence the smaller crankshaft counterweight (diameter), additional external counterweight ("hatchet", weight between the damper and crank timing gear). As to other concerns, accessories will interchange.

Dave.

2Y internal balance, round spacer, 1968 to 1978 or abouts, 3Y external balance, Hatchet weight spacer, after 1978. On the late model fuelie stuff I am not sure, better double check. If you use the complete reciprocating assemabley from flexplate/flywheel to balancer, you won't have to worry about it.

That's excellent, thank you

Your welcome. Good luck with your swap, and double check everything, carefully. My neighbor and myself got burned on a 302 marine swap badly on a deal like this. 302 HO , picked up wrong shortblock, balance,firing order different, ect., pre internet. It was a major pain, as we did it at the marina in the water out of town. I learned 302 Fords have many Combinations, on balance after researching them, so hence my warnings. Don't forget what Schmitty and Dave said about the clearances, either, but that should be easy to spot, and corect, wrong balance not so much after engine is insalled.

I will make sure I double check it all, thanks again for all your advice.