My husband and I just purchased as 1954 Mainline. Its in pretty good shape considering it had sat for 20yrs in the woods. Took us 6hrs to get it on the trailer, broke 2 ***alongs in the process. Glad to have her home and look forward to any/all the goodies we can learn about our new obsession. Thanks fellas/gals!
Thanks everyone! Were thinking 302, but discussions have been made toward a 351. So we'll see! We'd love to be able to pull our camper with it! Perfect rig for the shows We have alot of work on our hands, floor pans, upholstery, etc.....were going to start slow and break her down. First things first tho! We need some non-bent rims and rubber to get her off the trailer!
If you want to use it to tow with , go for the 351w . It will fit just fine under that hood with no problem . There is a ton of information here for doing a 302 or 351w swap . Really very easy and simple to do . The parts needed you can get anyplace to install the engine as well . If you need any help , just ask away ! We all can point you in the right direction on where to get the parts to do this swap . Jim
Thanks guys... this is "the husband" haha we were talking about possibly a 351w and then run what a C6 or a C4 with OD??? Would\should we switch to a more "modern" 9 inch rear end? Like she said were super excited to start on this... a great winter project to keep us tinkering out in the garage...
Welcome, I wish my other half was as helpful, ha. But she keeps the Christmas decorations out of the garage, so I can't complain.
If you use the 351W with an AOD you will need a 28oz flexplate best deal is here:http://www.kmjent.com/ use an AOD from a 1988-93 these have the best and latest lubrication and valve body upgrades and are non-computer also a wealth of info on AOD's is here: www.clickclickracing.com for information on what you need for doing the swap check here:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=18186
The gear ratio in the stock rear can work well with an overdrive,another option for strength is the 8.8 rear used in Ford Rangers contact our member "Ole Don" for info as He has done the swap.With an overdrive a 3:73 to 4:10 rear ratio will work well.
yeah we dig it.... found out the original color was actually glacier blue... should be a fun project... the ideas have already been flowing as to what to do....
thanks for all the help guys... yeah its certainly not her first rodeo... she was born and raised in a hot rod family... me I was raised in a demolition derby family so only a small bit of my knowledge will transfer over haha...This will be my first "restoration\project" but not hers so there is NO doubt that Im the pupil and shes the teacher... and I wouldn't want it any other way.... Does anyone have any suggestions as to years of 351w to look for?
I have an '84 351W with a C6 from a Bronco. Its proved to be a real pain in the *** when it comes to space. The exhaust manifolds touch the stock steering box and burn the gears up. There are a set of Headman headers that will work perfectly if you are not looking to keep a column shift. I like to do things the hard way so I'm still trying to figure out how to make it work right. I have the original rear end in mine and it works fine, but I don't haul anything. The car has plenty of get up and go without a doubt. If you have any further questions, I may be able to help.
The C6 is a beast and would be the last transmission I would ever use, especially behind a small block.
You can get plenty of power from a 302 & AOD and it is much easier all around for clearance than the 351W.I have the 302(aka 5.0) AOD combo in my '54 could not be more pleased,best donor would be from 1988-93 the AOD's have improved lubrication and the improved valve body but are still non-computer for EZ hookup.That being said because of the height of the heads the Ford FE (352-390-428) actually fits better than the 351W but because they produce m***ive torque plan on a rear end upgrade and going to a C6.Also the 1986 and later 302/5.0 are roller cam and a better bet for today's oils.Might give this a look since you could hear it run: http://springfield.craigslist.org/pts/3252674487.html
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