Just picked up 53 ford customline minus flathead, 2sp trans still intact, do I replace with flatty or retro to 302 & c4, what would a running flat cost me, and is there a kit to mock up late model ford motor? any help would be great
Since that has a Fordmatic, and they'r a real pain to get working right, I'd put in the 302 with a AOD witch will work with the rear gears and shift linkegd, try fatman fab or jamco(hope they'r back up and running) and just remember, it says bolt on, but isnt exactly...Roach.
Dollar for dollar the 302 will be cheaper to build, cheaper to run and give better power. All in all the 302 is the better choice for many reasons. However.....the flathead is an icon in the automotive world and worth doing if you want that piece of Americana motoring history to power your car. If I had the flatty, I'd build the flatty. If I had neither, I'd find, build and swap in a 302/AOD.
HOw concerned are you about a 'period-correct' car? If driving the car is more important, the 302 is an easy choice. If you want to keep true to the era, the flatty or another early overhead would be a better choice. Flatties can be built to be reliable but are costly in this area to have done correctly. Even if I were to do the flatty, I think I would dump the fordomatic in favor of a c4 conversion. YOu could probably get a good low mile 302 with a C4 or AOD and the install kit/parts for less than the cost of rebuilding the flatty. Atleast you could get some early style dress up stuff for the 302 and make it look like an early 260-289.
302 would be the way to go. I have both and knowing you can get parts for them anywhere is a major plus for any road trips.
I'm in the same perdicament,I'm going 302 because I want to drive my car and not spend hundreds of dollars doing it.My flatty will sit in the corner collecting dust until parts for it become cheaper lol
OK, since no one else has stepped up I'll be the ***hole and suggest the SBC/T350 or 700R4. Cheap (compared to anything else), and just about the most bang for the buck going. Frank
I drive my cars, and need to be reliable and fixable on side of highway, so will probaly go with 302/289, unless a flatty comes my way ready to run, could not sleep at night with a bow tie power plant in my Fords.
yeah you're right. all it really takes is a little dedication and little less slacking. i tore my flattie down in 2 nites. wasn't hard at all.
Giving the ever increasing cost of gas, what are the thoughts on putting in a small cheap 4 banger (like a Focus 2.0L SVT) instead of small blocks?
Speedway and the other big two, sell a Chevy or Ford polyurethane lightweight setup blocks, for mock-up purposes only. Ford pic below.
A ford focus banger. My grandad would come back to life and beat the **** out of me if I ever did that. With all the computer **** for that set up it would be a pain in the ***. And look like ****. I say flathead or 283.
SBF and an AOD has to be the way to go unless you have $$$$ and don't like efficiency. You are asking on the wrong forum if you want a black and white answer and everyone to agree though - opinions are like ***holes - everyone's got one! Good luck with your conversion and enjoy driving it. Cheers.
If you are worried about fuel costs, you are in the wrong hobby. You guys do realize this thread is from2007 right?
And the 302 weighs 100 Lbs less than the Flatty. Want to drive it or look at it? http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t58/busajack/?action=view¤t=-50ford003.jpg Set as low as you can and get better cornering and handling.
Hey check my avatar!! Come on its not that UGLY!! I will take you up on that offer if it is still available! PM on its way! I do want a flatty!! Pete
Ha, you got me. For a second there I thought you were actually suggesting a late model 4 banger in a shoebox. What a kidder. Ah fer ****'s sake this is another 5 year old thread brought up by a FNG.
"Show" or "Go", that is the question. How about an earlier SBF? You could always throw some Y-Block valve covers on it!
So should I create an new thread about installing modern day 4 or 6 cylinder just I can see my name on the 'New Post' marquee billboard? Or instead do a search and post a my question to the relevant topic thread (the way it should be done)? I didn't know there was a cut-off date on 'searches'.
New thread. This one is a little too far off your topic. I'll give you credit for trying, I might have done the same thing.
I'm all about the "Henry Flatmotor",.....But, I'm not against a SBF, in a Ford... Give thought to a 351 W,...the C4 bolts right to it,... 4TTRUK
I'm all for searching and posting relevant questions on old topics... BUT the OP was asking about a 302 vs a flathead, not asking about late model 4 bangers. I would suggest you start a new thread and ask what the general consensus is about a Focus motor in a shoebox. Have fun with that. Welcome to the HAMB.
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