Thread: Wheelbase

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What engines will the standard 106" wheelbase 32 frame accept without mods to the fire wall, I would like to run a hood If I increase the wheelbase were should it be extended and how much, but then would a standard hood work? Thanks!

I'm going with a Buick V6 in my 26 coupe with a boxed stock frame.

I know a SBC and BBC will go, but not sure about a SBF. I have seen Olds and Pontiacs in these, with no firewall mods that I remember, so I think you can put almost anything within reason in there. Some of our Deuce guys will have better info for you though.


Don

A SBF is actually shorter and narrower than a SBC, especially if you use the late timing cover and waterpump. A rear sump/later pan makes things easier as well if you are using a solid front axle rather than the Mll type front end. With the distributor in front on a SBF, it allows for any type distributor. A Chevy with an HEI sometimes requires a bit of firewall massage if your motor mounts are a bit off - I saw one at a show that was so close the guy cut an access hole in the firewall rather than run a small dia. MSD - dumb!!.

I agree with everything you said, except about the sbf being shorter that a sbc. Even with a short water pump, you get it CLOSE to the same length, but not as short. That has been the problem with swapping sbf's into anything. The narrowness attractive, but he length is the problem.

I've swapped them into a bunch of cars, including a Bugeye Sprite, Jeep pickup, my '27 roadster, and several others, and the length is always something I have had to wrestle with. That and the oil pan, but luckily Bronco and 5.0 pans help with that somewhat.


Don

I have a stock wheelbase '32, that I put a sbc in. Used a short water pump and a small cap distributor. I have a magneto and also a MSD and they both fit fine. An HEI would require modification of the firewall, didn't want to do that. I also mounted the engine a little bit higher than I usually see them( about an inch ) and had to modify the firewall right where the passenger side valve cover is. You can't really tell that its not stock. I guess I shouldn't say that, the real Ford guys could tell if they looked at it long enough. The stock firewall gives a little bit more leg room which is really nice.