Ford vs. Chevy: Best Engine Swaps for Classic Trucks in Henderson

Table of Contents

1. The Appeal of Engine Swaps for Classic Trucks
2. Top Ford Engine Swap Options

• 5.0 L Coyote Modern V8
• 351W Windsor Small-Block
• Custom Ford Crate Engines

1. Top Chevy Engine Swap Options

• LS1 & LS3 Aluminum V8s
• ZZ6 & Truck-Based LS Swaps
• Big-Block Performance Packages

1. Comparing Key Specs & Benefits
2. Henderson-Specific Considerations
3. The 777 Motorsports Engine Swap Process
4. Supporting Upgrades & Integration
5. Service Areas We Cover
6. Financing & Bundle Packages
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Ready to Supercharge Your Classic Truck?

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The Appeal of Engine Swaps for Classic Trucks

Classic pickups like the F-100 or C10 embody Americana, but their original small-blocks and inline-sixes often lack the reliability and parts support needed for daily driving in modern traffic. An engine swap delivers:

• Reliability & Parts Availability: Modern Ford and Chevy engines are mass-produced and easy to rebuild.
• Fuel Injection Efficiency: Electronic fuel injection conquers vapor lock and cold-start woes, essential under monsoon-season humidity.
• Power & Torque Gains: 20–50 % increases transform sluggish antiques into canyon-ready cruisers.
• Emissions & Smog Compliance: EFI swaps with factory ECUs often pass Nevada smog tests when done correctly.

Whether you crave Ford’s high-revving Z-plan or Chevy’s torquey LS low-end, a swap can make your classic truck both dependable and fun.

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Top Ford Engine Swap Options

5.0 L Coyote Modern V8

The 5.0 L Coyote (2011+ Mustang GT engine) delivers ~460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque in a lightweight, compact aluminum package:

• Aluminum Block & Heads: Weighs ~515 lb—a 100 lb savings over a cast-iron big-block.
• DOHC & Ti Intake: High-rev capability to 7 000 rpm, ideal for spirited canyon runs on Red Rock Scenic Drive.
• Factory EFI & CAN-bus: Seamless integration with stand-alone or OEM ECUs, perfect for reliable cold leading into winter.
• Aftermarket Support: Plenty of headers, intake manifolds, and calibration options.

👉 Learn more about our Coyote Engine Swaps.

351W Windsor Small-Block

Ford’s classic 351W Windsor block remains popular for those seeking authenticity with modern reliability:

• Iron Block Strength: Handles moderate boost or nitrous if you want to flirt with forced induction.
• Aftermarket Heads & Cam Options: Aluminum heads, roller cams, and EFI conversion kits modernize the platform.
• Budget-Friendly: Core engines are inexpensive, and basic EFI kits start around \$3 000.

Great for purists who want a near-factory look under a stock F-100 hood.

Custom Ford Crate Engines

From Ford Performance, you can source crate engines like the 5.2 L “Voodoo” flat-plane crank Coyote or stroked modular V8s:

• Turnkey Warranties: Backed by Ford, with 3-year/50 000 mi coverage.
• Proven Builds: Balanced rotating assemblies, forged internals in high-output variants.
• Plug-and-Play Kits: Often include mounts, harnesses, and calibration.

Crate engines simplify sourcing and give you peace of mind on long drives to Lake Mead.

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Top Chevy Engine Swap Options

LS1 & LS3 Aluminum V8s

The LS platform revolutionized Chevy swaps:

• LS1 (5.7 L, ~350 hp): Lightweight aluminum, excellent step up from a 350 ci small-block.
• LS3 (6.2 L, ~430 hp): High-flow heads and intake, popular restomod choice.

Benefits include compact dimensions for easy firewall and crossmember fitment, and broad aftermarket support.

👉 Discover more at our LS Engine Swaps.

ZZ6 & Truck-Based LS Swaps

For budget builds, the ZZ6 (~405 hp) and LQ4/LQ9 truck motors (cast-iron block) offer:

• Durable Cast-Iron: Handles abuse, ideal if you tow or off-road.
• Cost Savings: Core engines under \$2 000; rebuild kits affordable.
• Upgrade Path: Ported heads and cam upgrades easily push 500 hp.

Truck LS swaps pair well with F-150 or Suburban crossmembers in a C10 or K-Series.

Big-Block Performance Packages

If you demand raw torque, GM’s big-block offerings (454, LS7) deliver:

• 454 ci V8: With forged internals, 550 hp is achievable.
• LS7 (7.0 L): Factory 505 hp, capable of 600+ hp with bolt-ons.

Requires more firewall trimming and crossmember relocation, but the payoff on a heavy 3/4-ton is massive.

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Comparing Key Specs & Benefits

Engine	Displacement	Stock Power	Weight (lb)	Best Use
Ford 5.0 Coyote	5.0 L	460 hp / 420 lb-ft	~515	High-rev cruising
Ford 351 Windsor	5.8 L	250–300 hp	~560	Authentic restomod
Chevy LS1	5.7 L	350 hp / 365 lb-ft	~415	Lightweight swap
Chevy LS3	6.2 L	430 hp / 424 lb-ft	~425	High-flow restomod
Chevy ZZ6 (cast)	5.7 L	405 hp / 406 lb-ft	~415	Budget performance
GM Big-Block 454	7.4 L	360–425 hp	~650	Torque-monster

Each platform has trade-offs in weight, cost, and complexity—select based on your driving style and budget.

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Henderson-Specific Considerations

1. Heat Management

• High-Capacity Radiators and dual SPAL fans are non-negotiable in 110 °F summer heat.
• Engine-Driven & Electric Oil Coolers keep oil temps in check on canyon passes.

1. Dust & Monsoon Debris

• Sealed Cold-Air Intakes and pre-filters block fine desert sand.
• Snorkel Kits if you plan off-road work near Lake Las Vegas.

1. Elevation Effects

• Barometric Correction in ECU tuning offsets ~6 % power loss at 2 000 ft.
• Forced Induction helps reclaim lost altitude power.

1. Smog & Emissions

• Factory EFI swaps with catalytic converters and O₂ sensors generally pass Clark County smog tests.

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The 777 Motorsports Engine Swap Process

1. Vision Session & Free Consultation

• Inspect your truck at our Henderson mobile unit or at 3271 S Highland Dr #709.
• Define goals, budget, and timeline.

1. Platform Assessment

• Measure firewall clearance, crossmember location, and driveshaft angles.
• Check brake booster, steering linkages, and exhaust routing.

1. Engine & Kit Selection

• Source crate engine or reman from GM Performance or Ford.
• Pick full bolt-in kits (mounts, oil pan, harness) when available.

1. Fabrication & Fitment

• Modify firewall if needed; install motor mounts, crossmember, and oil pan.
• Fit headers or exhaust primaries with custom flanges.

1. Wiring & ECU Integration

• Merge engine harness to original dash using our Electrical & Lighting Upgrades expertise.
• Install ECU in protected location.

1. Cooling, Fuel & Drivetrain

• Upgrade radiator, fans, and hoses; install high-flow fuel pump and injectors.
• Connect transmission (4L60E, T56, etc.) and balance driveshaft.

1. Dyno Tuning & Road-Test

• Calibrate spark, fuel, and altitude compensation on our chassis dyno.
• Perform hot-loop test on Eastern Avenue and basic road loops.

1. Customer Delivery & Training

• Review maintenance schedule, ECU features, and smartphone tuning apps if applicable.

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Supporting Upgrades & Integration

• Suspension: Coil-overs or upgraded springs from our Suspension Upgrades page to handle extra power.
• Brakes: Pair with a Disc Brake Conversion for the added performance.
• Exhaust: Custom 3″ stainless system with X-pipe to maximize flow and sound.
• Interior: Modern dash gauges and ECU readouts via our Interior Restorations service.

A holistic build ensures the entire truck is balanced and reliable.

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Service Areas We Cover

We proudly serve classic-truck enthusiasts throughout Southern Nevada:

• Henderson: Green Valley, Anthem, Inspirada, Whitney Ranch
• Las Vegas: Spring Valley, Paradise (The Strip)
• North Las Vegas: Aliante, Eldorado
• Boulder City & Lake Mead Region

Within a 45-mile radius of our shop, we offer enclosed pickup and delivery for swap projects.

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Financing & Bundle Packages

• 0% APR Financing on swaps over \$5 000 via Snap Finance and Synchrony.
• Bundle & Save: Combine engine swap with suspension or brake upgrades for a 10 % labor discount.
• Referral Credit: Earn \$100 shop credit when a friend completes an engine swap.

Ask about current promotions during your free consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which engine swap is easiest for a ’67 F-100?
   → Chevy LS1 with bolt-in mount kits is often the quickest path; Ford Coyote swaps require more firewall clearance.
2. Can I keep my original transmission?
   → Yes—adapter plates allow you to mate modern engines to vintage manuals or automatics, though a modern trans is recommended.
3. How long does a swap take?
   → Typically 3–6 weeks, including sourcing, fabrication, wiring, and dyno tuning.
4. Will my swap pass Nevada smog?
   → Factory EFI engines with proper catalytic converters and O₂ sensors generally comply; we handle all emissions integration.
5. Is wiring harness integration difficult?
   → Our ASE-certified techs use Painless® harnesses and fuse panels to blend vintage wiring with modern ECU standards.
6. Can you customize the tune later?
   → Yes—our dyno files and stand-alone ECU setups allow on-the-fly adjustments for altitude and seasonal changes.
7. What maintenance does a swap require?
   → Standard modern-engine service: oil/filter every 5 000 mi, spark plugs at 50 000 mi, coolant every 2 yrs.

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Ready to Supercharge Your Classic Truck?

Whether you’re team Ford or team Chevy, 777 Motorsports has the expertise, facilities, and local knowledge to execute your dream engine swap in Henderson.

Call (844) 777-1296 or book your free consultation now, and let us transform your vintage pickup into a modern performance machine—reliable, powerful, and ready for Henderson’s roads.