76 F250 Camper Special Tow Rig

[Joshgt87]

Thanks Popeye!

So I bought an engine from a guy at work that he had pulled down to refresh. I the short block 2 sets of heads all new cam bearings, rings, rod and main bearings, and just a bunch of extra junk he had laying around.

I took the block to the machine shop to have it inspected and that turned out to be an absolute nightmare. They checked the bore and said it was good, dipped it, painted it very poorly, (there was still blue paint showing through the black they put on) installed new cam bearings, (beat the front one to death) and installed new freeze plugs, (the rear cam plug was in backwards, and they knocked one of the freeze plugs into the block and that’s where it still sits).

Mind you this was supposed to be a fun throw together engine. Once the short block was finally assembled things went smoother.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jmOWxMqVUumJJGs42

I got a Comp cam from my buddy that works there and new springs, lifters, locks and retainers.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y0vTq4xWHIB1DpMT2

I told my buddies “this motor doesn’t deserve paint”

I was putting the new brakes on the last week and removing the old fuel lines and cut one of the brake lines on accident so there’s that to do. I purchased some hooker headers from the guy I bought the truck from and put them on as well.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RZFxvZAosvym8FXG3

So all four wheels are back on and it’s on the ground. Things are looking up!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6hDgfC7VoahgzN852

Motor is in and beginning to install the fuel injection system.

I had to install a return line for the fuel tank and ended up using the whole on top of the tank for the emissions stuff.

Also the pump had to be mounted below the pickup tube. So I took an old piece of scrap metal they used to hold the “oversized” load sigh. And hacked it up and made a bracket and welded it in place. Oh... the new 38 gallon tank was an absolute bear to get into place. Mainly because the tank strap extensions weren’t long enough and the fill hose was old and crusty.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VtU5wCTNklyLoabJ2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Dfs7gzyodgsXsWVN2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/PUJfmkdzLkQIpXPp1

I got the return line ran and some of the feed. Regulator mounted and then ran out of line. Can’t wait to fire it up and drive it! Still got a ways to go! Thanks everyone!

[Joshgt87]

Few more of the fuel tank.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8kURYUetAIzTApXG2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7Q26iZcSrziZSWxT2

[hfdco4]

So did you try and fire it off prior to doing the EFI?

[Joshgt87]

Not with the rebuilt motor no.

[cdnwillyg]

So Josh is your pump going to be protected from road debris where it's mounted?

[Joshgt87]

So Josh is your pump going to be protected form road debris where it's mounted?

I’m hoping the rear diff will protect it. I have an 87 turbo mustang that the fuel pumps are roughly in the same spot. I don’t plan on going off road but if it rips off or has issues it’s an easy enough fix. I like to experiment! Lol

[Manny]

The rebuilt motor looks fantastic, and you have made some good progress. What is your thoughts on when you will fire it and break the cam in?

[Joshgt87]

Thanks manny. I’m not sure if I’d say fantastic but it’s clean . My buddy that works at Comp cams sent me this link.

https://youtu.be/b2LzSz9W1Sk

I also bought 6 quarts of Driven break in oil for the break in and then some to change it afterwards. If the engine makes it past break in I’ll be happy . I was already telling my wife I’m planning to build a small block to replace this one. Due to the poor machine work and my rushing I don’t have high hopes for this engine.

I’m pretty close but I’ve ran out of truck money. I’ll have to save a bit more to finish it up. I just need a handful of items. Need to finish the exhaust, buy a few more things to finish the efi, and some odds and ends stuff. I’m looking forward to firing it up for the first time!

[Manny]

Old ford motors are tough. You may not have high hopes but prime it break the cam in right and then run it right. you may be suprised.

[Joshgt87]

Man I am so close to firing this rig up! I need an exhaust, air cleaner, and a handful of other small things. I’ve done 98% of the fuel injection wiring and installation. I actually tested the fuel pump the other day.

I made a battery tray from some scrap metal I had laying around. Money is getting tight and this thing is beginning to nickel and dime me to death .

I also made some brackets to mount my electric fan. It turned out pretty decent. Need to finish wiring it.

Also bought a cable crimper from harbor freight. Defined worth $40. Upgrades all the power cables to 4 gauge for the used 3G alternator. I don’t know why it’s orange, I don’t really care that much though just adds that much more to this rig !

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cf7d25LW3qyaCWmO2

Here’s a link to the photos. Let me know if it doesn’t work. Thanks guys!

[Joshgt87]

Surprise surprise! It runs and drives. I’ve drive. It to work (about 30 miles one way) 3 times now and I’ve driven it to another town about 45 miles. I’m constantly finding thing that need repaired but I guess that part of owning an old truck. Also blew the heater core out on my last ride home so I’ll need to fix that. I’ll post some pics and some video later.

[Joshgt87]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SPK7tnhBkFih47TP2

Fuel injected fury!

[Manny]

That's great that you got her up and going!!! Always makes it better! Keep it going.

[Joshgt87]

The truck was just getting better and better. Everything started falling into place as I slowly tweaked and fixed minor issues. Then what I thought was valvetrain noise became apparent that it wasn't valvetrain noise. I spun a bearing on #8 cylinder.

So I'm selling, parting out the 390 and going the direction I really wanted to begin with. A 351 Windsor and a 4R70W. I'm going this afternoon to help pull the motor out of the donor truck. I'll post some update pics soon.

[WhitsEnd]

Thanks Popeye!

the rear cam plug was in backwards...

I can't tell from your post, but are you aware that the rear cam plug on an FE is installed with the ridge facing in, not out like the core plugs or the cam plug on most other engines?

The face of the plug should be even with the external surface of the block.

Again, not sure if you were aware and your machinist was not, or the other way around. This is an FE quirk that even so-called Ford shops are not aware of if they don't do a lot of FEs.

Good progress!