'59 Ford: 385 Series Engine Swap

Hi Gang,

As I stated in my intro thread we have been working on installing a 460 based big block into our '59 Country Squire. This is proving to be an interesting swap because there is not much info and what is out there seems vauge. So far I have modified the radiator support to fit a 26" radiator to cool the beast. I have also ordered motor mounts and a c6 x-member from Crites Restorations. Let's hope that the mounts/x-memeber fit better that the radiator (hood wouldnt close of all things). As you can see I basicall have the stuff (I hope) to install the engine and trans and make it run. The following question represent the gray areas:

1) Disc brakes: Is there any other ford model that shares spindle height/geometry/etc. w/ the '59. I'd like to do a swap retaining factory, off the shelf parts if possible.

2) My car has power steering...is there a difference in the power box vs. manual or can I just remove the ram and run it. (OR) is there a more modern box out there that I can adapt?

3) Exhaust: I am going to see where the manifold point when I get the engine set in. Crites makes a 2"x3.5" header but that might be a bit much for a mild solid cam'd BBF. Another issue here is that we would like to retain the column shifter; I have a feeling full length headers will interfere w/ this linkage. Might be time to break out th MIG?

Well, hopefully someone has some insight, it would be nice to learn something car related w/ out going to the school of hard knocks for once.

Thanks,

Jeremiah

 

I don't know anything to help you, but this sounds like an excellent, functional swap.

-Dave

 

1) Disc brakes:A popular swap is to use the 79 and older LTD II/ Cougar /Thundersbird/ Torino spindles. They are a direct bolt-in.

Another popular swap for disk brakes is to use the Granada front spindles. This however requires the a 7º to use the factory 59 ball joints but will lower the front about 4".


3) Exhaust: Generally speaking, retaining the factory column shift is just not feasable with full lenght headders. A custom set of headers can be built at the sacrifice of ground clearance. Factory exhaust manifolds will clear the linkage though.

there is plenty of info on these swaps...

http://p079.ezboard.com/b1957fords98638

 

Roush Racing built and sold kits at one time to swap 460 engines into FE equipped cars. Contact them and see what they still have. The kits were complete with all nuts and bolts, etc.

 

Hey Beep; I really like your Signature it is so true. Gumpa

 

Thanks for the info and enthusiastic responses folks!

It should be fun to blow the doors off of BMW's on the tollway w/ a woodgrain wagon. I will look for a car that has the spindles I need this weekend.

pics of the car/motor are in my intro thread:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116669

Thanks again!

Jeremiah

 

Keep us posted on this one. That wagon would look great with some whitewalls.

-Dave

 

It does have bias-plys....I guess we are half way there!

 

Do you still have the old ditrib. Is that a Y block you are yanking? Is it any good? I would love to see the car sounds cool man!
JAH

 

Hey, I had a '59 Ford wagon back when I was in college. The power steering pump had gone bad on it, so the belt was simply disconnected, ran it that way for quite a while. It took some muscle in parking lots, but was fine out on the road. I don't know if the non-P.S. cars had a better steering ratio or not, but I would sure hope so.

Have you seen the pictures of the '59 NHRA Drag Safari wagon on AutoHobby.com? Now that really makes me want my old wagon back! Post some pictures of yours when you get a chance.

Later,

 

There is a company who sells mounts and other stuff for that swap. www.ndgearheadcruiserproducts.com

 

I have a 59 ranchero with manual steering its pretty good......difference in 59 for manual or power is the center link with the power ***ist on it....but space wise about the same....I'm glad to see you hoping up that wagon!! lets see some pics when its done....