Anyone ever put a 4BT into an older 2wd Ford? (1979)

[GOT-Torque]

Just curious if anyone has ever put a 4BT into an older 2wd ford. Is there enough room (height wise) in the engine department?



I've noticed some are claiming to get 20 to 25 mpg using the 4BT in various vehicles with large tires and four wheel drive. I wonder if a 2wd ford with 31" tires would be capable of 30 mpg?



I've got a 79 ford with a 351W and T18 trans that may get 16 downhill with a tailwind, ha ha.



I suppose I would atleast need a different transmission (5 speed) so the gears wouldn't be so far apart, the rear is like a 3. 08 or close to it.



Opinions? Experience?

 

[mgoncalves]

That's funny, I was just thinking about the same thing, but with a 1970 ford F100, 360/NP435.



There's plenty of room, no need for an intercooler, and they don't weigh that much.



Let me know what you find out about transmission adapability.



Matt

 

[Scot]

Only issue is you might have to chase a different pan. The 6bta fills up the available area, especially with the intercooler.



I was getting a fraction over 20 prior to swapping tires. I have not recalibrated the speedo, but I think I probably lost a bit.

 

[WDixon27]

i am thinking about a 4bt to repower my grand dads 73 f350 2wd for mom, a gasser would be easy but suck fuel, do you still need to cut a hunk out of the cross member like when you install a 6bt?

 

[Scot]

I do not think you would have to cut anything if you could find/build a pan with the sump in the right place.

 

[Rotty]

I just got a bread van in an E350 chassis,2wd so it should be almost a drop in replacement.