Hey everyone I’m new to this but looking for ideas on how to drop an 80’s model 302 in my 53 mainline. I have been on Butch's cool stuff and seen the motor mount conversions but some say regular v8 motor mounts will work just fine. One other thing, Can I use the manual 3 speed transmission with an adapter on the 302? I know y’all are knowledgeable. Thanks for your help.
The "regular" V8 mounts will work in the 1954 and later cars for your '53 go with the Butch's kit,click on this: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/faq-sticky.897329/page-3 And scroll down to Post #86 and there will be pictures of the Butch's kit installed. The "Sticky FAQ" is an information file ONLY,DO NOT ask questions there use your original post for that. Your original 3 speed is too weak for a 302 unless you plan on really being extremely gentle also the 302's bell housing and clutch will not work with the '53's linkage you would have to fabricate a cable setup like later Mustangs or a hydraulic clutch. The only adapter company that may still make those is: http://www.wilcap.com/ It also will make a difference if your original engine is a 6 cyl or a V8 which one was it ?
What would be a good transmission to use behind a 302 a c4 or how about a manual? I would like to keep the 3 on the tree if at all possible.
The pictures in that link are from a guy I helped with the 302 swap,over the past 10 years I've walked a lot of guys through that swap here and on many of the facebook Ford groups. "Back in the Day" it was cool to dump the "3 on the tree" for a floor shift and these days it makes the swap easier by dumping the column shift. Your rear end ratio in your car since it had a Six and 3 speed is 3:90's that puts your RPM's up around 3000+ at 70MPH with a stick shift or the direct drive C4 the RPM's using the AOD with it's .67 overdrive drops that highway cruising RPM down to about 2000 RPM a lot less strain on the engine and better gas mileage. The AOD also will sit directly on your factory transmission cross member using the Butch's 15" kit shown here.
You are lucky that you are replacing the 215 Six cylinder because Ford changed the lower sheet metal that allows the radiator to be further forward for more water pump clearance. When looking for a 302/5.0 donor 1982 and later will have the dual sump oil pan that you need for your swap using this kit: https://butchscoolstuff.com/52-53-ford-car-15-sb-ford-engine-transmission-mount-kit-2501cpb/ If you could find a steering column from a 1952-54 Ford-O-Matic car it's easy to adapt that to use with a C4 or AOD transmission and have the column shift.
Following this thread! Looking to do the same but with an Explorer 5.0L switched to carb (for the GT40 heads). I was planning a C4 but now thinking the AOD based on the info above! I also have the 215-6 with 3 on the tree but am planning to put the shifter on the floor.
Best non-computer AOD' donors are from 1989-93 these have all the lubrication upgrades and improved valve body and the stamped steel drum that replaced the weaker cast iron found in earlier AOD's.
You could use a 1952-54 Ford Ford-O-Matic column you might check here since you are in Texas http://www.owenssalvage.com/ When you call them tell them you are a H.A.M.B. member and a member of this Group you may get a discount. Here is another source: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=347866255934591
You might post it here that you are looking for one,someone may want your stick setup. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/wanted.30/
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