Intake manifold swap

1971 FORD F-100
170,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • MANUAL
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BAILEY772003
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I have a couple questions, will a 360 intake manifold fit a 390? What happens if I remove all of the flat tappet lifters and do not put them back into the same cylinders they were in before?
Sep 30, 2018 at 5:31 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Yes, the manifolds will interchange.

Tappets/lifters will "mate" (wear to) the parts they run against (cam on one end, push rods on the other. Not a good idea to mis-match them. I am not even going to inquire on why you asked!

The Medic
Sep 30, 2018 at 7:07 PM
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BAILEY772003
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Will the engine still run if I do put the tappets in the wrong spots? The engine only has 50,000 original miles on it. So basically is what happened is I was trying to remove the oil pan by flipping the engine on my stand and once I flipped the engine they all started falling out I have about seven in right spot, but I am not sure about the rest. I am on a tight budget so would you suggest that I get a new cam and lifters or just test it the way it is?
Sep 30, 2018 at 8:03 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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Myself, I would drive on with the mission!

It is not like you are scrounging some of these from a different engine with unknown miles.

I too, have yet to win the lottery,

I have done worse "get by" repairs and still came out on top!

If I were to attempt what you are contemplating (for myself), I would definitely grab a quart of "Royal Purple Engine Break-In Oil" and use when you install your oil. It is a common product, NAPA auto parts is the last place I saw it.

I welcome other 2carguys with their opinions to jump in!

The Medic
Sep 30, 2018 at 8:24 PM
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BAILEY772003
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Okay, thanks so much for your help. I will most likely just do that then. I would also like to get other 2carguys opinions as well.
Sep 30, 2018 at 8:30 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

As CJ said, the manifolds will swap.

As far as the lifters, no damage will result from placing in the wrong hole. They will mate to the cam in time.

The lifters are not designated for each cylinder and valve. They all fit into all the bores.

Keep moving on and continue with confidence.

Roy
Oct 1, 2018 at 4:42 AM