I have a 1980 f100 stepside truck that i am making a project out of. Currently it is 2wd but I just bought a parts truck for its dana 44 front, 4 speed tranny, and its 205 transfer case. (got all that for 100 bucks haha). the truck has a 289 that the guy i bought it from says is a HiPo but im not sure. I am thinking about going with a 460 but Im not sure that I would get too much more power for the weight. If anyone has ever done a 2wd to 4wd conversion i would like to know some of the snags i am going to run into also some engine opinions would be great.

If the parts truck you bought is a ttb 44 front I am pretty sure it bolts in place of your 2wd beams.

true 289 hi-po's have a solid cam, screw in studs, guideplates, hardened pushrods, adjustable valvetrain.

I havent dug that far into the motor. it does have the "HiPo" exuast manifold but i dont know how reliable that is

true 289 hi-po's have a solid cam, screw in studs, guideplates, hardened pushrods, adjustable valvetrain and have always been hard to come by.

Fixed that for ya....

Bheil: If it is a true 289Hi-po, yank that baby out, sell it on fleabay, and pay for your 460 swap. You will be much happier with the big block's massive torque curve than with the small block's hi-revving hp curve.

The power to weight comparison isn't even reasonable. You're comparing a 289 that's built and free breathing (271hp/312ft/lbs) to a smog restricted & anemic 460 (235hp/375ft/lbs). A similiar build on a 460 should make in the neighborhood of 400+hp & 500+ft/lbs.

Yeah, there is a weight difference. The 289 weighs 460lbs, vs the 460's 720lbs. Remember, though, you're putting this extra 260lbs in a 4000 lb truck, not a 2600lb drag car. Your winch & extra battery your planning will add that much weight, and not add a drop of extra hp or torque.

*Edit: I claim no first knowledge at validity of numbers. They are the first ones I found on a quick internet search using hot rod magazine builds & factory spec listings I found*

well I guess I should pop off some valve covers haha.

thanks willy! definately true! ive seen alot of hi-po conversions, but originals are rare for sure.

how much do they go for on average