I am in the middle of swapping a '68 engine with an '86 engine. Basically All I really want to use is the block of the '86 and place my other stuff back into the engine from the '68.

Question is geared for the weight / vibratation of the engine. If I use the '68 Crank. I would have to use the Flywheel, Harmonic balancer, Connecting Rods, Timing Chain, CAM, Lifters, Heads, etc.

But as for the exterior, I was going to use the '86 timing Chain Cover.

As for a Gasket Set, I was going to get the one for the '68.

But the real question, I do not want to swap or frankenstein the '86 Crank with the '68 Connecting Rods. and vice versa. That would really screw up the vibration of the engine?

Thanks for the help again!

 

I am unsure if the journals are the same size for the 2 different years, but if they are you can use all the old internals. I know the newer engines use a different intake gasket so you need to make sure to get the correct ones for your application. The 85 block may not have the "boss" for the equalizer bar if its a manual tranny. Scott Drake sells a prefabbed bracket for this application if it doesn't have it.

 

A couple problems. The early crank is designed for a 2 piece rear seal, the 86 block uses a one piece. I THINK the crank needs to be machined to work with the later block. There's a lip on the back of the crank that has to come off. Not a big deal. Second, the 86 uses a reverse rotation water pump. I dont think the early water pump will match up. FWIW, 86 heads are one of the worst heads out there. No notches in the 86 pistons means you're limited on cams if you decide on something othre than stock.

Oh yeah, I dont think the 86 timing cover has a place for the dipstick either. And yes, you need to use the early balancer and flywheel with the early crank. Not sure on the rods, depends on if you have a 289 or 302.

 

also be aware that the 1986 bottom end it setup for the 50 oz damper and flexplate ('81+). the older engines used the 28 oz damper and flexplate.

the crank is actually balanced with the given weight damper and flexplate/flywheel by Ford.

 

Here is what I am thinking...
- 86 block
- 86 Crank Shaft
- 86 Connecting Rods
- 86 Pistons (I have new ones, but they do not match the existing ones, The Ones I have now are Flat bowled, the new ones are like the two bowls in each piston top).
- 86 Oil Pan
- 86 Fly Wheel and Backing
- 86 Harmonic Balancer
- 86 Timing Cover

- 68 Timing Chain
- 68 Lifers / Cam (Better shaped than the 86 rollers and cam)
- 68 Fuel Pump

My heads on the 68 where D3XX (I also thought that was for a 73 Year engine). (Forgot the last number) They are better shape then the 86 heads.

My Intake is a 4bbl 65 289.

As for the oil pump, Should I use the 68? (or the 86).

Gasket Set, would be for the 86 setup now.

And the Bearings would be for an 86.

(x) Could you help tell me where the Engine Block Casting Number might be. I can not find it!

 

As for the above.... I forgot to mention the following:

- 68 Waterpump
- 68 Distributor


Thanks again

 

86 oil pan will not fit in a 68...

 

86 oil pan will not fit in a 68...Therefore the oil pump will have to be a front sump style aswell.

 

buying a wrecked car or, at least, a front clip will make the swap much easier. there are always clips and small hardware that you don't think of until you are in the middle of the swap.

personally, just stick with the 86 bottom end, and use the 68 head and valvetrain. regarding the oil pan, you will need to find one that works with your crossmember and still uses the 86 pickup.

I thought this way going in an classic Mustang? if so, thought the 'double hump' (fox body) Mustang pan fit?

 

This engine belongs to a 65 Mustang Coupe.

Back to the oil pump / pan. I should use the 86.

I should not use the 68 pan. As for the oil pump, Why couldn't I just use the 68 oil pump. Does that screw up anything?

Someone mentioned something about the waterpump. The water goes differently? Should it mater as along as the water is circulating in the block?

thxs