Thread: wedging a 400 ford into a '51 merc

Tweet

Here’s my dilemma …… I am dropping a 400 ford w/C-6 tranny into a ’51 Merc. Have bolted on some Aussie heads, and all the basic goodies.I have encountered complications with the steering linkage interfering with my rear sump pan and also the steering box sticking into the engine bay too much for conventional manifolds , let alone a set of headers.
I am betting someone out there has dropped in a 429 / 460 into a 49-51 merc, and I would be interested in what you did to overcome the steering issues….. new column ? mustang front end?

unfortunately there is no room for forward/rear/up or down movement for the motor .......it's where it needs to be.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Never personally done this particular swap, but I played around for a while with 351 Clevelands, swapping them into various Mustangs. There are easier engines to fit into cars than these, or the 400's. Stuff is just in the wrong places.

Unless you are married to this engine, consider a 302 or even 351 Windsor. They fit so much better, and perform just as well, if not better, and add on parts are more readily available. People like Hot Rod and Custom Supply and others carry bolt in kits to make the swap on these engines.

Is is do-able, sure, anything will go into anything. However, there just might be better options. But, as so often happens, someone on here may have done this swap, and thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread. We'll see if that happens.


JMO,


Don

Thanks for your input. I am about $2500 married to it at this point. I WILL make it work one way or another , and as you said "someone may have already done this swap" .............. 429 / 460 maybe.

Have You considered swapping out the frame? I just put an 83 olds 88 frame under a 51 foor door,clears the rockers with little trimming, needs to be stretched 2 inches to match the wheel base. We actually took some out as we had a 5 inch gap inthe roof after chopping the top ,so now it's 113 wheel base,leaves lots of room for any rear sump engine,we stuck in a 472 cadillac. Hank

Ahhhh..... You're my kind of guy, a worked over 400.........considered a boat anchor by many and loved by those that know what potential these engines have. I know you have done your homework because you mentioned that you put on Aussie heads. I have a 400 (which are 402 actual) punched out to 410 in my '53. With the compression change and aftermarket goodies, I'm putting out over 350 hp and over 400 ftlbs of torque, with stock heads I would like to get a set of the Aussie heads that you have. The 400 is a good torque engine. I have pics of mine in my gallery.

I'm afraid you will have to do what I did to my '53 F-100, and that was to fabricate my own engine mounts off the frame. I have a Volare front clip and it was a pain getting my headers around the steering box but I got it to work. There are aftermarket headers if you are intererested from Sanderson, and you should be able to find a front sump oil pan very easily as most people are looking for a rear sump oil pan for these swaps. Junk yards should have these, but you will have to change your pickup tube to a front sump pickup tube.

Parts are available for these engines and there are a number of different head options available, including Edelbrock.

Hey, if you ever get the extra money and want to turn it into a 434 stroker and put out over 480 Hp and over 500 ft lbs of torque, contact Tim Meyer.

http://www.tmeyerinc.com/videopage.html

I actually got my pistons and roller rockers thru T.Meyers ....good stuff. My biggest complication will be the steering box, thus my inquiry about a new column with some u-joint to it.

Thanks

Originally Posted by 51monarch

I actually got my pistons and roller rockers thru T.Meyers ....good stuff. My biggest complication will be the steering box, thus my inquiry about a new column with some u-joint to it.

Thanks

I would contact Borgeson and see if they have any input. I have seen some fairly elaborate steering connections on some lifted 4x4's and some tight fit engine compartments in hot rods. I know Borgeson does custom steering shafts if needed. Without seeing your exact application it's a bit hard to get an idea as to what you are looking at and dealing with.

http://www.borgeson.com/

Yup, put a 460 (actually a 501 stroker) into a '50, long time ago.... We changed the angle on the steering box and on the pitman arm and (if I remember correct) used two U-Joints, 3/4" DOM tubing for the shafts and a 3/4" heim joint to stabilize the shaft.... Sorry, no pics... Long time before I even knew what a digital camera was!!!!!

What about the fancy stering thing that was posted the other day ,the new sema product ?jusr cant find the post.

Swap in a power rack and pinion from a Cavalier. See Custom Rodder , May 1997 for a how-to. Actually improves the front end geometry!