Thread: Want info on swapping six banger out for a 5.0 or 5.8.. HELP please!!

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Ok heres the scoop, I have a sweet 64 Galaxie that was a grandmas car. It has a straight 6 in it. Here is a list of things I want to do to it, within a budget of course.. lol I want to swap that six banger out for a 5.0 or a 351. An engine that is failry common and easy to get parts for is my reasoning. I know I wil cut off the clutch pedal, I know it will need an automatic and sterring column. I want to add disc brakes, I have read other forums saying you can pull off a set from certain years, etc. Lastly I want to add power steering. Is it wise to put in a rack or go with a gearbox. Any advice and info is glady appreciated, thanks for putting up with my ramblings

Just my opinion, I'd go with a 460. These are very common and parts are plentiful. These should bolt in. Second, I'd find the four speed of your choice and keep your clutch pedal. If you really want an automatic, get an automatic pedal assembly and sell the pedals to someone who can use them. They are not that easy to find.

As these are heavy cars and not road racers, keep the gear box and don't worry about the rack.

The 64 Galaxie also came stock with a 390cu V8 C6 automatic, and they are easy to find and bolt right in, may have to change crossmember for tranny,,and of course drive shaft.
But realy,,,you could go all the way to a 460 if you want.
Disc brakes, and spindles can be taken from a 76 cougar,,,you will have to change from your stock wheels though, cos they wont fit over the Disc brake calipers,,,,you will also need to upgrade to a dual circuit master cylinder from a newer ford.

Yeah,,,there wasn't too much wrong with the stock steering on those anyway.

Ive heard that if you put a C6 in a 64 body that the firewall would need to be modified. Ok next thing I saw, do they make a 4spd for the 460? The car has a three on the tree, but I was looking at a rack kit and it comes with a new column. Im thinking floor shifter here.. hmmmm ok I forgot to ask also.. does the front end need a new crossmember or anything since it is a 6cyl car or would just dropping in the new V-8 be A-OK? I hate to be a pest but I am new to Ford customizing, thanks all!

The front crossmember will be fine. If you do away with the clutch, I would be interested in the clutch pedal and linkage.

i would stay away from the 390-427 fe series because of the cost to build one, the 460 would be nice and i'd bet it'd eat up tires nicely too ;-)