Remember that you don't necessarily need a 390 block; the 360 truck block is the same bore as a 390, and other than one additional motor mount bolt location, is identical...
I would be tempted to overhaul the 352 if the rod isn't sticking thru the block. According to all reports they are a tough, long living engine. Chances are a set of rings, bearings, gaskets, timing chain, oil pump and a valve job will set you up for another 100,000 miles . Summit offers an overhaul kit (no pistons) for $245 or a 360 rebuild kit with pistons for $422. With machine work, paint, etc you might have a rebuilt engine for under $1000. I doubt you could put in a second hand late model for that little. https://www.summitracing.com/int/se...ild-kits/make/ford?retaillocation=int&page=51
Those were 460s, which first appeared in '88 in trucks to the end of production in '97. The 429 disappeared in '74. By 1983, the only pushrod Ford V8s available were the 302, 351W, and 460.
"is there any late model engine/trans swap thats a direct bolt in?" No. I agree with the suggestion of a 390/C6. It is a direct bolt in, but not "late model". If you could find a 428 at a reasonable price, that would be even better.
There also is the option of putting in a lower first gear in a C-6 which will wake up a big car like that and still give good cruise mpg. Not very expensive and you would probably be freshing up the trans before the swap anyway.
Jimmy , could you give me some more info, how to,where to get gears, to to this? Thanks in advance, I made be redoing a C6 shortly. Bones
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