1966 F100 EcoBoost Engine Swap (EcoBoosted)

[TimeWarpF100]

Glad to see you being able to move around and getting some things accomplished. Knowing how hard it for you TW I admire your struggle for progress. Hate to see Eco1 go but I understand the predicament. Keep up the great work and looking forward to future postings!

I was not actually trying to sell in any way, not even advertised or really mentioned since the ebay listing. It just kinda happened because of a 30 second video on my YouTube channel re: the 65-66 Truck fender emblem inserts.

I have owned over 300 vehicles in my day and Eco1 was far above any other I have owned as far as fun factor and actually being able to really drive it!

I ended up putting just over 11,000 trouble free miles on it with only few oil changes. Continued to tweak and adjust but now it was pretty much 100% sorted as far as steering suspension, brakes, driveability.

I'm thinking whatever happens with the 4x build, it is bound to be entertaining.
I bet you have mixed feelings about letting one go. But onward and upward!

Eco1 was my first attempt and doing anything off the make it original path other than a few engine swaps like the New SuperCharged 5.0 Ranger.

I learned an awful lot on Eco1 and also a bunch more on Eco2 & I plan to use all that and more into EcoIII or maybe yet Eco2.7.

And yes Sunday is usually the day the wife and I would hop in Eco1 and drive without a plan where we were going. It was when we got to a intersection if light was green we went straight or left and if it was red we turned right sorta thing. Usually 100 miles every Sunday when we could. So Its been just over 24 hours since it was sold and am already missing how nice it drove and that low rpm TQ was addictive. Just hoping I can do another a few notches up the ladder better.

I say congrats on selling Eco 1 and giving it a new good home so you can move forward on another project. You really broke new ground with Eco 1 and now Eco 2 should be more cool and the plans for the 4x4 will be yet another new ground breaking build. Good luck, good health and will be following along like many others.

Thanks! Bittersweet for sure. The learning curve was a big one but now what seemed so difficult should be much easier and I am hoping a 4x4 will be much less work. Just gotta find the right truck. The current 2015 F150 2.7 I have sitting here may be the donor but gotta get the cab off to see what all is messed up. Buying entire left front along with steering rack ($1300.00) could be a killer as the 2.7 truck was intended for a engine trans swap only like Eco2. Since I will also need a complete new chassis it could cost 6500 for chassis and busted components it may be better off stepping up for a 2017-18 Truck with the 10spd auto trans. It will all hinge on what I can find at auctions or online. Kinda like eco drives, just play 'er by ear.

No photos of Eco 1 going bye-bye?

Your 4x4 project sounds fun, looking forward to seeing this one progress.

I will upload a few update pics in a bit. Gotta see where I last posted pics . .

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Amazing what 60 years of technology can do. That 6 cylinder probably gets triple the MPG to boot. SPG (smiles per gallon) though, probably a tie.

Interesting thing is the technology was there 50+ yrs ago as in Ex-Rainbow Ranger.

With a 352 2v and 3 spd column shift with OverDrive it gets 20-21 MPG. FInal drive of 2.275 the very low RPM tq of the 352 is great for cruising.

Just got title this week and plan on buying tires tomorrow (ones on it now have great tread but dry rotted). It will become my daily driver on those days it does not rain!

Really tempting to drop a GV OD unit in the orange 427 Truck so I can actually drive it too. Its a 3.50 gear but would be much nicer with the GV unit. It was always part of the dream and reason I never had a custom driveshaft made. Also never had $$ to buy wheels and tires for the 427 Truck.

 

[kbs2244]

Incurable

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Incurable

I have what is called slick-is-I-Tis it is not curable. No hope either
But, I have found if I continue to work on them, buy more, dream up
New ideas it really helps!

 

[TimeWarpF100]

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Seriously considering buying this 1966 Airstream Land Yacht
To tow behind Eco2 for our 48 state trip.
Very nice for 50+ yrs old but interior needs refinishing.

 

[Chateau Slate 66]

Glad to hear you are back at it. I'm anxious to follow along.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Seriously considering buying this 1966 Airstream Land Yacht
To tow behind Eco2 for our 48 state trip.
Very nice for 50+ yrs old but interior needs refinishing.

I have decided to pass on this trailer. Never find another as nice and a dream
Package to travel with but would not have proper funds to finish inside.

Gotta concentrate on current projects. It would most likely turn into Eco1 x2

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Glad to hear you are back at it. I'm anxious to follow along.

Thanks!

Energy level not so good but keep plugging along...
Excitement of building another for sure there.

Eco2 & 427 shorty need my attention as does
Ex-Rainbow..Ranger.

 

[johnyg]

your ''not so good'' energy level is twice that of the average human!! i get tired just reading about all you do. keep up the good work and keeping us motivated.....john.

 

[C_F]

That's a great looking photo right there.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

your ''not so good'' energy level is twice that of the average human!! i get tired just reading about all you do. keep up the good work and keeping us motivated.....john.

That's one of the funniest things I have ever heard! Lazyitis has truely kicked in.

That's a great looking photo right there.

Thanks!

I started to add up the $ amounts to build another truck and decided there was no way no how I could afford it.

I will continue to use Ex-Rainbow Ranger as my daily driver. (new tires yesterday)

Plan on getting back on Eco2 this Friday after a year of NOTHING! Hoping to get it on the road by next fall or late summer for the Lower 48 State Trip.

I also plan on getting going on the Orange 427 Truck as it will be 18 yrs Feb 1st 2018 since I drove it last.

Who knows after these 2 trucks are done what the future will hold but gotta stay focused on these 2 until done.

Still got the scooter to finish also!

 

[1949 caddyman]

Stay focused is the key.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Stay focused is the key.

I must be going blind...


Meet Eco2.7

I tripped over a 1966 F100 4x4 project for beyond
Dirt cheap. Combine complete rolling chassis and rust free
Sheet metal for under 1500.00? Then have a
2015 F150 2.7 4x4 Truck that has been plugging driveway
For over a year.

Unable to move the dead in water ‘15 I started tearing it apart.
The f100 4x4 shows and think I wonder if I could
Drop the engine and trans in place just so I could move it
Around. Well the fit is sooooo good.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Today the ‘66 427 truck was pushed up on 4 post hoist
For first time. Parts on order to finish it once and
For all. Help coming Thursday and Friday this week
To help project get rolling!

Robert, ya waited too long! Lol

 

[jackson1701]

I can't wait to follow along on the next build you have here. Keep plugging away at it.

 

[MP&C]

Today the ‘66 427 truck was pushed up on 4 post hoist
For first time. Parts on order to finish it once and
For all. Help coming Thursday and Friday this week
To help project get rolling!

Robert, ya waited too long! Lol

Haha, I'd have to get a layaway plan..

It seems anytime my slush fund builds up, new (to me) machinery shows up shortly afterward

 

[rmalkow2]

Awesome! Now a 4x4 version of your Eco Boost conversion. That will be cool.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

No photos of Eco 1 going bye-bye?

Your 4x4 project sounds fun, looking forward to seeing this one progress.

Bye, Bye Eco1

 

[TimeWarpF100]

I mentioned starting back on 427 Truck.

Think it was around 2013 Since I last worked on it. At that time I had finished up box/bed floor and was doing a "test fit" (after the header build) when I realized I had measured wrong for the rear crossmember which I left on the late model floor because of metal thickness issue. Turned out I forgot to add the gap between cab and box for crossmember location and it hit. I put the truck into storage and started on another project.

It kinda bugged me the shape/layout of the new floor was different from original and had hoped to find a "PERFECT BOX" or near perfect to start with. Another reason on quitting for a bit was $$ to finish it like I really wanted to. With proper wheels and also the Gear Vendor's OverDrive unit prior to ordering a driveshaft.

Well, A month or so back found a very nice short bed box but had to buy the entire truck to get it. Had buyer (or so they said) for rest of truck.

1964 Short Bed. Entire truck was quite nice and original paint AZ/Calif truck. Less engine and trans

Gotta be one of the most solid and straight '64 trucks ever.

 

[D45]

I have had my 3.5L Ecoboost for around 50,000 miles

I collect 3 ounces of oily/fuel mocha mixture (catch can) from the PVC every week

Not impressive with the motor, overall...........Horrible mileage as well

 

[TimeWarpF100]

427 Truck new box.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

427 Truck:

Part of dream of this truck was to run a Gear Vendors O.D. And to think i was close to parting it out a few months back thinking I would never finish it!

 

[TimeWarpF100]

With as much HP/TQ as this truck would have decided to do a brake upgrade too.

14" 6 Piston Bear Brakes on all for corners! They are ready for pickup some time today . . Pretty excited!

It will be 18 yrs since I drove this truck last 3 weeks from today.

Another major reason why pushing to get it done (with lots of help) Is my middle daughter is getting Married mid april and think it would be quite fitting to be used as a getaway vehicle.

Daughter with truck a "few" years back.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Of course with large brakes the wheels need a upgrade! Minimum size is 18" so that is what I went with. The ONLY wheel I really liked and thought would fit this trucks theme.
Huge shout out to the wheel manufacturer for helping make this possible.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Off day today so time to catch up on a few posts.

A couple weeks ago had a growth removed from back and biopsy came back as pre-melanoma. This morning had a larger area removed. Doc said wife most likely saved my life insisting I go in to have it checked out . . . Trying to get done what I can while still able & with help avail.

Kinda a packed garage at the moment as have started back on Eco2 also

Here is box for it. Over 70 hrs so far pickin' n filin' trying to make it look as close to new as possible. Getting very close to primer. Future Son-n-Law is helping (a bunch)

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Wheel tubs after a bit of metal work. Looks like primer will fill any remaining flaws . .

For sanding the box floor came up with these contraptions out of blocks of wood.

Used the metal belt grinder to get basic shape then used sandpaper on straight area of box to shape the wood to fit. Now I have a sanding block for both down and up stamping in box. Hoping this will help with getting the 3 or 4 boxes in shape for priming and painting.

Goal is to make it look showroom without removing the factory spot welds. One forgets how much work this is.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Eco2 Cab is now off frame and started teardown yesterday.

Wife & I still plan on taking it on a lower 48 state trip this fall. Sept/October.

Photobucket not as easy to use as it once was so when time allows. It will no longer let me do auto updates with my phone.

Help for 30 days so gotta make use of it!

 

[D45]

What year is yours?

mid year 2012

 

[kbs2244]

WOW
Just don't let a little thing like cancer slow you down!!

 

[C_F]

Great progress! Glad you have your future son in law there to lend a hand. I love that wheel style you chose, they have a bit of the old Halibrand look to them.

I have had my 3.5L Ecoboost for around 50,000 miles

I collect 3 ounces of oily/fuel mocha mixture (catch can) from the PVC every week

Not impressive with the motor, overall...........Horrible mileage as well

Are you mainly driving it on short jaunts, like 5 miles or less round trip? If so, you need to drive it on a few longer trips, so the engine remains at operating temperature longer.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Great progress! Glad you have your future son in law there to lend a hand. I love that wheel style you chose, they have a bit of the old Halibrand look to them.

Reminded me of the Halibrands too! I like the clean look without exposed lug nuts. No other wheel caught my eye like this design from Schott.

Brakes showed up today! Now its time to get busy to install so I can measure for wheel fitment and get the wheels ordered!

Billet Master Cylinder to go with rest of brake package. Calipers powder coated to match exterior color.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

current brakes on 427 Truck

Other trucks I can use these brakes on

 

[D45]

Are you mainly driving it on short jaunts, like 5 miles or less round trip? If so, you need to drive it on a few longer trips, so the engine remains at operating temperature longer.

Nope, 40 minutes one way to work

 

[Mr onetwo]

Great stuff as usual Randy! So glad you caught the melanoma early...take care.

 

[Boosted1]

Did you sell Eco 1 to make $$ or to be able to build an improved Eco 2?
What will be different with Eco 2?
I enjoy your thread.

 

[Chateau Slate 66]

As a lifelong Minnesotan, I am very jealous and amazed by the quality iron you have in non salt/rust states. 7 year old vehicles don't look that clean here.

 

[johnyg]

TW...you sound alot more upbeat now despite your new medical stuff. maybe selling the truck and the infusion of funds was what you needed !!!i hope you can see those big expensive brakes through the new rims . i have a tacoma with big drilled and slotted on front and back.i get more compliments on the brakes than anything else ive done but the front warp pretty fast. mine are from rotora and hope you have better luck...but they still look cool as ****!!!! stay well and enjoy this.

 

[lugnut71]

I really enjoy this thread, glad your doing better and back in the shop, keep up the awesome progress !

 

[C_F]

I have never see one piece park brake shoes before, that's very interesting. I see that by doing that, it sure eliminates a lot of hardware!

Nope, 40 minutes one way to work

Huh, well I'm fresh out of guesses then.