Thread: 1955 Ford engine swap

Tweet

I have a 1955 Ford Customline with the original engine. I want to update it with a new engine. What would fit in best? Ford 302, Checy 350 or what??? I know I have to be careful of the oil pump location front or back and the steering. Any Sugestions????
Need Help

See junkyard Jeff's response in this thread. email him for details of a 351W swap....
http://www.clubhotrod.com/t4925.html

Thank You Very Much. I sent an email to him

For heavens sake, don't put a friggin' Chevy in it.

Daver.

A 302 would be just fine with me. Do you know anything about that swap? or do you just hate Chevy's

My first car was a 56 Customline 2dr. post. Go pre 73 351 Cleveland, they scream and get mileage. Best motor Ford ever made,,, just like Ford of the past, if it works can it and go on to the one that gets no mileage and has no power. AKA 360, 351 Windsor. The Cleveland is a direct copy of the most excellent big block Chevy, but lighter and loves the high RPM's. Do it man, you'll love it. Use 2 barrel heads and a crane high intensity cam. Be prepared to knock down any late model Mustang with ease.

Dave

Also,,, if you have to stay with something simpler to fit, a 390 will go right in, use the 332-352 mounts from 58, they fit. Just remember what a disaster of a design the FE motor is, half the head is the intake! God help you if the engine is a few years old and you need to remove the exhaust manifold as you will at least break off three of the exhaust bolts. As an added result of the FE, they get about 10 mpg and can't handle RPM's. Once again, go Cleveland amigo.

Best,

Dave

Thanks Dave!! I will put 351 C into my list of possible Ford engines. What would be a good automatic trans to back it up.C-6?

Dave, What engine mount would I use for the 351? What about the trans? I would like to put Power steering and brakes on it. Do you have any ideas on that?
Thanks

I am putting a 351C in a 56 customline. The motor fits like a glove. I used motor mounts from www.speedwaymotors.com Used the small block ford universal fit mounts. Took some doing, but turned out really nice. I also used a speedway trans. crossmember. I am using an AOD tranny, by the way.

If you use a C6, you will have to raise the tunnel. the AOD fits, and a C4 fits even better.

For headers, I used 71 cougar/torino/mustang w/ 351C and C4 and they fit VERY nice. No alterations were needed. For steering, I am using a cavalier rack and pinion set up, using brackets from fatmanfab.

Please keep me posted on your project. Sounds like I am a few steps ahead of you, so if you have any questions, feel free. Or, suggestions, for that matter. I have done hours of research but I a m still finding new stuff.

Fatnlo, Thanks for the info. I have located a 351 C. now to find a trans. What rear end are you going to use? I would like to talk to you on land line. Can we set that up ?
Thanks
Dkmachine

Anytime. I am running a 9" out of a 57 sedan. It bolts in w/o any modifications. I should revise my last comment on mods for the headers. I cut out all the crossmembers under the floor boards. the tranny member and the 2 supports that run diagonal. It opens up the underside alot. send me your phone # to this email kokobeach@cableone.net and I can give you a call. I have unlimited on my cell so it wont cost anything

do u have any pics or any advice on that swap

Welcome Aboard Cmore... that thread you hit upon was last active in 2005! Don't know if those guys are still around or if they ever got those projects finished.

Originally Posted by dkmachine

I have a 1955 Ford Customline with the original engine. I want to update it with a new engine. What would fit in best? Ford 302, Checy 350 or what??? I know I have to be careful of the oil pump location front or back and the steering. Any Sugestions????
Need Help

302 or 351 should be a breeze to fit - my mate has a 460 in his and it wasn't TOO much of a problem, he's had it in the car for years (like 30+) and does a few miles in it.
So a 302 would be dead-easy to fit and not to hard on gas if your car originally came with an automatic trans. (The autos had a better ratio for keeping the revs down)