Ford F100 390 FE 5 Speed Swap

My 69 F100 came from the factory with a column shifted three speed manual. I really wanted a four or five speed in this truck. In fact, I had purchased a close ratio Toploader 4speed but was discouraged by the tunnel hacking that I would need perform to clear the shift linkage on the Toploader. About this time, a nice T5 out of Mustang came into my possession rather inexpensively. This would require less tunnel cutting and offered an extra get home gear to boot. The downside is it is a little light for my warmed 390. After looking, I contacted Wilcap who has sold many T5/Ford FE adaptors. They have seen much success with the adaptors and since I got the T5 very cheap, I thought I would give it a try. They machined the adaptor for me and I swapped the old three speed out and the five speed in. So far I have been extremely happy with the swap. It was a very easy swap. It has performed flawlessly. I am not a big thrasher on my truck but have got on it pretty hard. Too much wheel hop to do burn outs at this time. I also I added a 3:70 gear right after the trans swap.

[@Bbbbad724]

Beautiful truck and I love that you kept the FE. They are great and well designed engines. I have heard people talk so much smack about them. Here is my mike dropping moment, They were built when people wanted power and didn’t care about mileage or smog. They were built in the 1960s by the millions to do what that era was about: tire smoke and fun! Drop!

[@brandonthompson8411]

Those wheels are amazing.

[@Rocksoup77]

Great job! That truck is awesome. Looks like a lot of fun to drive.

[@f100inc3]

Thanks, it is fun but a bit of a handful without the power steering...

[@Bbbbad724]

@@f100inc3Lol, why do you think a lot of us old boomers look like silverback gorillas? You will grow to love them, the steering response of those manual boxes is something missing in the new stuff. To turn a corner and have the wheel spin back to straight down the road is something that I miss. I am blind and can’t drive anymore but a 67-70 plain Jane with an FE and what you have done with the 5 speed manual is a tribute to the greatness of pickups!

[@f100inc3]

@@Bbbbad724 Great post, thank you!

[@weebeastys1]

Burnout contest all the way! Man you can’t not cut loose in that truck. Truck gang...

[@junker7791]

Great video man! Really ironic considering I got a T-5 out of a 2003 mustang & was lucky enough to find a 72 pickup with the cast bellhousing in the same trip. I didn't know Wilcap offered an adapter - really glad you posted this!

[@f100inc3]

Wilcap are pretty good people and when you call, you speak directly with the guy who does that machining. Thanks for watching

[@junker7791]

@@f100inc3 How did you decide to operate your clutch btw? Did you hard mount a linkage to the stock 390 fork or did you replace it with a hydraulic/cable driven system? Absolutely gorgeous truck btw!

[@saulnungaray3671]

Bro that is so sick. I have a 71 with a 390 and a c6 tranny hit definitely would love to do a 5 speed manual Tran! Love it bro!!!

[@f100inc3]

Thank you, I have to say it worked out much better than I had hoped...

[@Weldingprobably]

Sounds and looks great

[@ls1_cammeroh]

I would love to swap my 72 with a manual but my wife likes to drive the truck. It’s such a smooth cruiser burnout machine

[@f100inc3]

I understand, keep her happy...

[@guitarscarsetc.etc.7215]

Getting ready to swap a t5 into my 1959 f100 behind a mild 351👍

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

The F E is the greatest motor ! So much power in stock form . A cam . Intake and carb and they are unbeatable ! I get 27 mpg from a 390 in a 54 ford coupe with a 4 spd !

[@f100inc3]

FE's are great, that MPG you are getting is amazing...

[@davidkeeton6716]

Please tell us what cam, intake and carb, along with trans and rear end ratio to get 27 mpg. When I'm tired of bracket racing my 64 Galaxie fastback I need to go with your set up.

[@markdanderson8263]

Is the adapter plate the same for a 360?

[@f100inc3]

Yes, for all Ford FE engines including the 360.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

No hacking needed to put a Ford top-[oader 4 speed into a Ford F-series truck. Did it many times over many years. Best swap was a New Process 4 speed that has/had "granny" first gear.

[@scottypetty9117]

That's pretty sweet

[@ronaldolweiler7745]

292 duration 512 lift . Dual plane aluminum. 750 cfm .323 gears. Flat piston . 10 over 390 . 352 crank , rods , 60 over piston , heavy duty rods , intercepter heads with 427 valves . Pulls like crazy . Quick rpm , endless top end

[@charey1012]

Nice work

[@fellowshipandcars2327]

Who did your exhaust piping? I’m having mine done this month. I was looking at Cartersville Muffler. They quoted me $650 for 2.5” with a H-pipe and Flowmaster 10’s. Was thinking of trying somebody in Cobb.

[@f100inc3]

I had a guy in Acworth that built it at his house, he had a bender an did a really clean job of it. Unfortunately, he is no longer in the area, I heard some good things about a guy in Woodstock, I will see if I can locate his info. . .

[@fellowshipandcars2327]

@@f100inc3 thanks man, I’d love to have some good work. It’s hard to find

[@markjennelle3279]

What camshaft are you running? Sounds really good, not over the top …

[@f100inc3]

Thanks, it is a Comp 270H. . .

[@gregmarche9668]

Great video. So the adapter moves the trans back. Therefore you need a pilot bearing adapter put move it rearward for the input shaft fo the transmission. What about the clutch. Did the original clutch spline work on the T5 or did you have to get a different clutch all together?

[@f100inc3]

Thanks,. Same clutch and Pressure plate as the 3 speed trans, the adaptor for the pilot bearing was provided by Wilcap. When I mocked up the trans without the clutch, I could see the input shaft was a little shallow in the pilot bearing. I told them and they sent the bearing cup which I shaved a little extra off to have it just right. . .

[@bobbyboothe8964]

Looks great sounds great

[@sc00b3y]

So did you have to get the adapter plate machined? And you used the stock “390 bellhousing”?

[@f100inc3]

The adaptor plate is made by Wilcap in California. I used the stock FE bellhousing…

[@Rubisteve06]

Tremec T-5 out of Mustang Fox body. Nice build and video. Looking into this for my F250 4x4 with divorced transfer-case.

[@f100inc3]

Sounds like a great build, best of luck to you. . .

[@BlueTx68F100]

Absolutely love the truck! I have a 390/3-speed. The three on the tree is kinda cool for nostalgia purposes but gets old when you drive it a lot. I’ve been considering either a Automatic OD or a 5-spd/6-spd. I think your video might just have pushed me to keep it manual! On a side note, what is done to the truck suspension wise? Love the stance!

[@f100inc3]

I love the 5speed, it is a different animal compared to the three speed. Front, drop beams plus 1.5 cut from stock coils, rear is drop shackles and the bottom leave removed... thanks for the comments...

[@trent_sparr1163]

I’ve got a 72 f100 with a 390 and I just bought a WC t5 for pretty cheap that I plan on swapping in and ditching the old granny low 4 speed. How thick is the adapter that you got from Wilcap and did the t5 bolt up just fine with the adapter? I was looking into other adapters and my concern was the rotation of the transmission that they would cause and I would also have to replace the input shaft with a shorter one as well. Thanks

[@f100inc3]

Sorry I missed your comment, I will be around my truck this weekend, I will check the adaptor thickness, sorry again. With their adaptor, I used a stock Mustang T5 input shaft though I did need their pilot bearing adaptor to bring the pilot bearing slightly closer. You can see that in my video....

[@trent_sparr1163]

No problem at all. I’ve actually got my t5 in the truck now and everything seems to work good. Hopefully she’ll stay together and my 390 won’t eat through it lol

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Nice friggin truck!

[@bigblockbumpside2296]

I would have thought that the torque from these big blocks would tear these t-5s up

[@f100inc3]

It was a concern of mine as well but I don't really thrash on it too hard and so far it has worked very well... but for sure, no drag strips or burnout contests...

[@bigblockbumpside2296]

@@f100inc3 gotcha, im wanting a 5 speed eventually for my f100. But yah i have the same concern.

[@TheYak14]

Is this t5 still holding up??

[@f100inc3]

Yes, has worked very well! 🤞🤞

[@jimmywilson1388]

Hell yeah man, I can’t wait to get a T5 in my 72 Ranger XLT… That 3 speed with a super shity floor shifter ain’t cuttin it…😅 I had a world class T5 in my 89 Mustang coupe. I think it was out of a later model car like a 93 or something… But it shifted great, especially when I put that steeda tri ax shifter in it… I might get a better transmission later on down the road depending on how rowdy I wanna get with it…😂 But I know my coupe was making around 350hp and I drove the shit out of it… I think slicks and a sudden impact is what does the T5’s in normally. A buddy of mine raced pro stock class and his T5 would hold up to like 700hp I believe… He had all kind of stuff done to it man. The gears were cryogenically frozen shit… He ran 7.00 class in a 302 Mustang with a T5 and it would actually break out if he didn’t lift at the end of the track. He would bang 2nd gear with the front tires about a foot and a half off the ground…🤣😭

[@f100inc3]

Awesome... Good luck!!

[@jimmywilson1388]

@@f100inc3 Thanks man, I subscribed… Those are pro motion T5’s I was telling you about on my buddy’s car… Maybe it’s 600hp max but they are awesome

[@f100inc3]

@@jimmywilson1388 Thanks for the sub, I will check out the Pro Motion T5's...

[@tonzi4268]

About to do this to my ‘68 with a 390. Do you mess with the trans at all, beef it up, couple parts out there to up the torque capabilities. Also, concerning the speedo, do you know what color gear in the trans, what rear end gear and is it close to accurate?

[@f100inc3]

I am using a completely stock T5. I did no upgrades, I figured I would try it first and revisit if i grenade it. So far so good, I have been able to catch second without any issues other than the wheel hop. The speedo was a perfect fit with no changes needed and the the speedo was spot on with a 3:70 gear. Best of luck with your project. . .

[@ivanriconava3307]

Good jop who was the donor of the transmission?

[@f100inc3]

It was out of a Fox Body...

[@EBthere]

Very nice.

[@camcraigsadventures7114]

Do you have any advice for a 3 speed c6 to a 5 speed AUTO?

[@f100inc3]

I'm sorry but I don't have any experience with that swap but it does sound interesting. Best of luck to you. . .

[@calebwhite1454]

About what would you say you get for gas mileage if you rarely get into the throttle? I know it's gonna be bad but still hoping for an estimate And for what kind of driving? For example, I'm wanting to do this to a 390 in my 1967 Galaxie 500, auto, I'm having it rebuild to lower compression for 87 octane and want to make up the power then some as well as the sound, big deal for me. I wonder how much the cam and exhaust effected things, along with the other mods. I will be driving mainly in low to no traffic, small towns 20-35mph and rural roads 35-55mph

[@f100inc3]

Well, I get on it pretty regularly, I just don't thrash it hard, or do burnouts. The overdrive should help but I don't really drive it enough to factor the fuel economy. I know before when I had a three-speed, it was very low, like10-12. . . I don't expect much more than that now. . . sorry I can't off more data. . .

[@calebwhite1454]

@@f100inc3 that's fine:) thank you

[@davonervin]

@@calebwhite1454yeah the FE engines just go through gas. Overdrive or not. Also because our trucks are brick on wheels.

[@darrinroach1988]

What size tire and rim combo are you running? I love the stance of that f100

[@f100inc3]

15x8, 275/60 REAR, 235/75 front, thanks.

[@rudolfsgulbis1492]

Nice truck. Sounds very good. What kind of mufflers are installed?

[@f100inc3]

Thanks, Flowmaster 44's...

[@Werewolfman1966]

So what was the complete parts list? Want to do this for my 65 f250 with an fe

[@f100inc3]

Very few parts, I used a Wilcap adaptor plate and a shortened driveshaft. Everything from the clutch to the bellhousing and is stock. You will have to contact Wilcap about the adaptor as I don't see it listed in their catalog. Thinking about it, I did get the pilot bearing extender to correct the depth of the input shaft in the flywheel. Good luck!

[@raginroadrunner]

Does not have deep 1st gear?

[@pdarnell1950]

I was curious if there is a part number for that adapter or any specs on it to tell them when I call. I have a 66 f100 and want to this. Any info on it would be greatful

[@f100inc3]

BHA 390-FT5 is the part number, shows out of stock but I believe they are made to order which takes a few weeks...

[@chendo626]

What driveshaft you running is it the original one

[@f100inc3]

It is a shortened stock driveshaft. . .

[@kurtiswilke2867]

What wheels do you have on there and tire size

[@f100inc3]

15X8 steel, 275/60R15 Rear, 235/75R15 front...

[@nickmusgrove6268]

What wheels and tire size. It’s perfect

[@f100inc3]

15x8, 275/60/15 rear, 225/70/15 front, thanks!

[@357abe]

What is the transmission out of and bellhousing?

[@f100inc3]

Stock truck FE bellhousing that originally came in the truck, thanks. . .

[@marshallmcdowell3369]

Beautiful truck and awesome sound!! I like the details in the videos on the swap. Definitely on the to list

[@f100inc3]

Glad to share and glad you enjoyed it, thank you. . .

[@weebeastys1]

Hey buddy what headers are you running?

[@f100inc3]

Using Sanderson heaters, thanks. . .

[@weebeastys1]

How did the Sanderson headers install go? Any curves thrown at you? Trying to decide on a pair for my 66

[@f100inc3]

@@weebeastys1 Great! Make sure you use black silicone on the flange. Yes, that is what they want you to do, but I am very happy with them. . .

[@TheCashCrop]

I got a f250 ranger camper special 360 im super jealous

[@f100inc3]

Don't be jealous, have a 68 F250 as well, future project. . .

[@TheCashCrop]

@@f100inc3 Please upload that!

[@andyoutlaww7494]

2:33 3:02-3:21

[@forfit10]

Bad ad hell!!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

No Ford F-100 ever came from the factory with a 390 FE engine.

[@f100inc3]

Hmmm, pretty sure they did but this was a 360 truck I swapped a 390 crank and rods into when I built it.

[@BlueTx68F100]

F100’s absolutely came with 390’s

[@raginroadrunner]

They will wear you out in heavy city traffic.

[@Bbbbad724]

I’m average, 6ft2 175 and I never noticed it. I drove dump trucks for my day job so maybe that’s why. I, before I lost my vision, found it relaxing to take my FE/ NP435 out on backroads and just drive. I miss it so much. I know that my time is almost up. That reminds me all the time. Arthritis has taken my ability to play the guitar anymore like I used to. I love that truck! Thank you Sir for keeping tradition alive!

[@stereolababy]

your background music feels like i should be donating to starving kids in africa

[@f100inc3]

@@stereolababy 😂 I think it is some Apple copy-write free music 👍

[@stereolababy]

@@f100inc3 nice truck tho

[@plainsabertooth7828]

Glass packs would've sounded better.

[@f100inc3]

Thanks...