If this double-posted, I apologize. The 59ab in my A pickup is cracked. Looking at replacing it with a 256/283 or Y-block. The trans and rear end are (I ***ume) the same vintage as the engine. The trans is a 3-speed, the rear end looks like all the old Fords. I am looking for the easiest/simplest/cheapest way to change engines. I don't anything about what adapter/bellhousings I would need, and how difficult they are to find. I prefer the SBC, but have no hate for a Y-block. Any thoughts or advice is welcome. Thanks.
The SBC is going to fit with less work and adaptors are easy to come by. The Y-Block is longer and is going to take more work to make fit within the confines of the A ch***is with full hood and fenders. If you want the simplest swap, I'd go SBC.
For the Chevy, a WilCap 307C adapts the motor to the transmission. I had one in a ‘48 F1 years ago with a 283.
If want to be different, go with the Y block, besides the fact that they are cooler than a generic SBC that everyone has. Plus Ted Eaton one of the Y block gurus is located in Texas.
You'll also need a 50 merc pressure plate, 11" clutch. This will bolt up to a 168 tooth GM flywheel. For the front, you can still buy a hurst style mount brand new from Speedway Motors that will mount your chevy in the same place as a flathead. I wrote this post from memory, so you may need to verify some of the details. Call Wilcap directly and they will tell you what you need. I even bought a brand new pressure plate directly from them because I couldn't find a good used one. Also, a later Merc OD pressure plate will not work.
I've always been a fan of Y blocks ever since my then step father traded a 53 Mercury with a tired flathead for a 52 Ford Victoria with a 56 Thunderbird special in it around 1957/58. Still they aren't an easy fit in the older prewar Fords. 30" from bellhousing flange to snout of water pump 21" block from behind front cover to bellhousing flange 24" wide (offy valve covers) 24" tall, oil pan to top of valve covers No way to shorten the waterpump shaft to gain space and the oil filter and oil pump will want to do battle with a traditionally placed steering box. With the Chevy with a short water pump you are 3 inches shorter in length and don't have anything except exhaust to worry about around the steering. This 283 on the stand set up to test run is pretty sketchy but compared to the Y block doesn't have alot of the space takers that the Y block does. I'd go 57 or later 283 to get the block mounted filter rather than a 265. Unless you have a nice behive filter on the firewall that is. Simply put the Y block is going to take more cutting and modifications to the A to get it to fit than the small block Chebby.
EZ. Adaptors can be had cheap. Uses a Borg and Beck Chevy 164 tooth FW and 3 bolt Chevy starter So for my set up the clutch I had fit the gm FW. Easiest swap I’ve ever done. can’t believe I’ve posted this pic twice today.
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