Hi I am so glad that I have finally got onto this social group. So much good information here. Thank you. I am busy trying to install a 302 SBF into my 54 Customline. The thing is I live in South Africa, so my particular car was built in Canada with right hand drive. It therefore has the 53 ch***is, cross member and suspension. With a 53 flathead originally installed. To confuse things even more it has the 53 dash with a 54 steering wheel. But thats not that important. Maybe the Australian guys can sympathize. JeffB gave me some good advice to go with the Butchs Cool Stuff engine mounts #2501CPB ( I have measured the 15'). According to their website the kit is $179 plus $15 shipping. Total $194 Incidentally Shoebox Central sells the exact same kit for 49-51 shoeboxes for $199.99 Now if I look at the Jamco kit for the 49-51 #EC4951FD cost $149.95 Yes I know on the ***le of the Jamco kit says 49-51.... but what is the difference between the 51 and the 53 cross member? As far as I can tell they look the same. I don’t have a physical example of the 51 to look at so I am going on pictures I see on the internet. The only reason I am in this dilemma is because the Dollar exchange and import cost make it very expensive. Any Dollar cost saving equals big saving in my poxy currency and I am not busting out with cash either as raising a family is expensive. The other reason is that in my humble opionion the Jamco kit looks a bit more heavy duty. I am not building a drag/ race car nor a grandads sunday cruise car but somewhere in between. I dont know if I am just splitting hairs here but I hope you knowledgeable Gents and Ladies will help shed some light. Thank you for your time.
Jamco is BAD NEWS they have been banned from the H.A.M.B. Alliance of Vendors because of numerous complaints,one of our members from France paid them almost $300 and never received a thing even after numerous complaints and most emails went unanswered. Butch's are also Alliance Vendors in good standing,communication is great you can also visit their facebook page. The 1949-51 kits Do not interchange with the 52-53 kits I've helped guys with this swap in the past my advice is don't try it.
Slater, The 52&53 Ford's are difficult to Swap any Engine into Due to the Front Cross Member & the Location of the Steering Linkage. For a 302 they say a Fox Body Pan will Work, But its Not True! The Duel Sump Pan will Hit Both the Cross Member & the Steering Linkage. Motor Mounts Alone will Not Correct this Problem. You will Need a Center Sump Pan or You Can Chop Up the Cross Member for a Front Sump Pan. Hope this Help & Best of Luck with Your Swap!
Sorry, Jim I helped a guy with a '53 on facebook using a Butch's kit there was no issue with the oil pan or steering if "slater" is on facebook I can give him a link with pictures step by step.
Thanks leadsledjim and jeffb for your input. I have seen some threads were guys have had to chop up their cross members. Hope it doesnt come down to that. Jeffb you did put me in touch with James on Facebook. Thank you. I have read some bad reviews on Jamco on this site, but they seam to have some good products. Pitty about the customer service. On the other hand Terry at Butchs got back to me super quick with some answers to questions I had. I was originally going to put my Y block in but realized the SBF would be a better fit. Anyway Thank you for your time
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