1940 Ford Tudor Build Thread

[Bob Parmenter]

Since dragging Bobs out of the woodwork has become a theme here...................
If time and money are the primary motivations/obstacles, all joking aside, the sbc/auto combo is a slam dunk decision, even if you own a 351 core already. They fit the '40 like a glove; no firewall mods needed and a mechanical fan will still fit too. No funky front cross member mods or center X member either (simple bolt in kits for trans mount available). Sure, the sbf can be made to fit similarly after oil pan and pump change, and water pump change, and a couple other little things, but by the time you do that you've covered about half the cost of a rebuild on the sbc. All the whining about the sbc being a "belly button" deal misses the point of the pile of good reasons that made it that way. It saves time and money (which are really the same thing), and it works great. All the other choices are fine, but take more resource.........ya makes yer choices..

[36 sedan]

Plus, there are a ton of after market parts available for the sbc combinations. I personally don't understand what all the fuss is about not wanting to use the sbc in a Ford exc.? After all, it is a hot rod, it's suppose to have mismatched parts. And, it gives everyone something to talk about..

[jerry clayton]

Cost of engine ????????An engine rebuild probably costs less than the paint for the hood-----------along those lines of thought----------build a roadster , save some $$$$$on paint since it doesn't have a roof!!!!!!!!

[Mike P]

I’ve got to admit I tend to agree with Uncle Bob on the SBC still being a viable option. As the 40 had already been setup with a SBC I would suspect it would be the quickest and easiest and cheapest to reinstall. Besides the oil pan and size issues, small things like the correct location for hoses on the radiator (which will be the same between SBC and HEMI but probably on the wrong sides for most Fords) will also be make life easier in the long run.

If you don’t have one laying around, small block Chevys and transmissions are easy and cheap to find, often just needing a cleanup, paint and a few chrome goodies to look presentable. Also a plus is they are easy to sell if you want to get rid of it and probably recoup your investment when you do get the 354 ready to drop in.

Besides having a Chevy in it will probably keep you motivated to get the HEMI done and in more so than if you have a “correct” Ford engine in it


I do understand you’re feeling about not necessarily wanting to put a Chevy in it. I’m kind of going thru the same thing myself regarding putting a Chevy in the Ram 50 I’m currently building. Even though it’s really just a rebadged Mitsubishi having that big Dodge decal on the tailgate just makes it seem wrong. The thing is though, a BIG priority for the project is keeping the factory AC. After looking at all the options, (hell I even looked at doing a SB Ford), the only V8 that made any sense was the SBC due to it being the only one that the length allowed room for the radiator and retaining the condenser. Sometimes you just do what you got to do.


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[40FordDeluxe]

Cost of engine ????????An engine rebuild probably costs less than the paint for the hood-----------along those lines of thought----------build a roadster , save some $$$$$on paint since it doesn't have a roof!!!!!!!!

Wow, the paint for a hood is $4700?

I'd love to build a roadster, but that will be after my current projects are running and driving, or sold to fund one. Haha

[40FordDeluxe]

After giving it some thought while driving to vacation and just thinking it over, I may sell the 351c core to add to the parts bill. I'll just continue on with the Hemi install once I get back working on it. The plan now is to just re-ring and bearing it, new gaskets, seals, oil pump, etc and drive it. Maybe later on go all out on the engine. For now it just needs to be a reliable ride.

As far as going back to a SBC, that really isn't an option for me right now. It is probably the cheapest, yes. But I already built my X member to fit a larger combo, and the recessed firewall is already installed as well. Hopefully before new year's I can be working on it again.

[M.T.]

Love'n the way you guys are thinking here! Keep us posted on the engine progress. Now I can enjoy my tri tip's that are in the smoker.

[34_40]

What year is the cleveland?

[40FordDeluxe]

What year is the cleveland?

70-74? I'll have to get some numbers off it and see for sure. I pulled it out of a 66 Galaxy that was a BB car that I couldn't get a title for.

[34_40]

70-74? I'll have to get some numbers off it and see for sure. I pulled it out of a 66 Galaxy that was a BB car that I couldn't get a title for.

Maybe we need to talk...

[40FordDeluxe]

I'm putting this here so I can use it and get some at a later time. Thanks Mike for the link!

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Measuring Tools, Cutting Tools and Shop Supplies

[Scooting]

One word!
HEMI
And you know how I feel. Told you before, stick with it.

[40FordDeluxe]

Once again the plans for this car have changed. But, in my opinion, it's the best option for me, and the car currently. I fell into a deal with a guy that worked out great. I traded him a 5.9 cummins core engine for a 5.3/4L60E with harness and computer with 102k on it. This will help tremendously get this car running on a budget. So now I have ideas running through my head for the new powertrain. The Hemi will be set aside for my Challenger more than likely way down the road.

[Scooting]

Ryan, I hate to encourage the loss of the Hemi (my favorite for Vintage look and power) but the 5.3 makes a very streetable engine that you can take to moderate or insane power levels so easy. Quickest way to good power is a 4bl carb, intake, and cam, big boast in power! Or keep the fuel injection and slap a Magunson Mega Charger on top - hold on tight for that one (it would eat the early Hemi and still return good gas mileage to boot.). Time to work dreams out so keep posting.

[40FordDeluxe]

Yeah, I really was against going with a LS. Mainly because it is the new thing and they are every where. But, they can make power on the cheap, and parts are readily available for them. You can turbo a stock one and it'll last a long time as long as you don't go over 18-20psi. I can't really make any huge plans right now for it. But I am leaning towards a single S400 turbo on it, ditching the stock plastic intake for an aluminum one. I won't decide until I get the engine sat in it and see what sets where, etc. The nice thing is, down the road I could always put the Hemi in it. At least for now, it'll help keep the car from residing in a million pieces not being driven. I also have everything to make it run right now in stock form. That's a lot better off then what I was facing with the 354 on my proposed budget. Now I can focus on vintage air, a dakota digital cluster to integrate into the GM pcm, rear wheels and tires, and still be under the Hemi rebuild cost.