Here is the deal...for a couple of years now I've been dreaming of making my '55 Fairlane into a gasser. I've got a straight axle that should work just nicely. Right now, it's about an inch or so lower in the front and maybe a couple in the back. It has a decent stance. It's running a tired leaky Yblock and a 3 speed toploader. Using that engine for a gasser is just plain foolish. It would be the equivalent of all of these stock Hondas with the "wings and things" look. Now, I just happen to have this stupid 350 that I bought long before I ever found The HAMB so I spent way too much on it...way too much, so selling it wouldn't be a smart option given that they are a dime a dozen. With that, I have a moderately built 700R4. This shit is just taking up space, but would do nicely to turn the Ford into a fairly quick car. I have the book "Gasser Wars" and in it, it would seem that most gassers in the 60s would have run that new Small Block Chevy motor. My dilemma is that whole "belly button" thing. It would be ideal to find a 390 but then I wouldn't be able to run low rear gears with my 700R4 and still have it drivable...plus, the last thing I need is another spare engine lying around... Anyway if I can figure out how the Poll function works...
dude, engine swaping is the very essence of hot rodding. talk to any real hot rodders (old timers) or look in any of the 50's magazines. that's what they did. put the chevy in it, and tell everyone to kiss your ass.
Ford in a Ford. Screw that Chebby stuff. Only other motor that should find its way into a Hot Rod Ford is a HEMI! Yeah, very narrow minded but I enjoy it. Don't be a sheep, next you will be putting Billet parts on that SBC..... Ok, just kiddin on the billet shit but I relay like to see Ford motors in Fords. Doc.
Your car your way, The sbc engine is way lighter thuss most likely quicker and you already own it. (less costly) Being a bleed blue ford guy I would put a healthy 460 in it myself BUT hey its your car. Unlike a previouse comment you will never be able to sell it. Naw i disagree. Around these parts the only way ta sell sell a early car is ta but a chevy engine in it. A lot of people are scared of real hourse power and live with small block chevys. NOT tryin to upset or start arguments with this comment, again personal preferance. Your car build your way.
I have been thinking the same thing....I have a '57 Ranchero with an Econoline front axle and needed to decide which engine I should run....I like Fords in Fords....but have plenty of SBC's at my access now....I would run what you have in hand...it will still be cool...
If it runs and drives ... drive it ... I would find a decent non running project to build my " GASSER " project from ... and enjoy the Ford as is for now ... I have seen way too many decent driving cars end up useless projects ... and then sold for 20 to 30 cents on the dollar ... Just my nickel ...
Find a small journal SBC, throw in a forged 283 crank, then top it off with an ol' 671 GMC blower with a couple of carter AFB's on top. Stick a 4 speed behind it and out back maybe an olds rear with some 456 gears. Then have fun!!!!
The gasser fad will pass in a year or two, then you'll be stuck with a silly looking car that doesnt corner well.
It's yours do what you want and what you can afford with it. Now to slap myself because I think it should stay all Ford but as I said, it's yours.
hell if you're thinking a GM motor, sell the Chevy and drop a big Caddy in it. Like a late 60's 472 or the Eldo. 500.Huge torque and plenty of horespower.Other than that I'd run the Ford motor and build something else
Sell the Y-block and build the car with the sbc. When you find that 390 you want, buy it and switch back. Keep the 700R4 and use it with the sbc. When the 390 comes around, you can put an adapter plate on it and run it. The 700R4 won't stand out like the sbc so you can have a practical gasser for modern highways and gas prices. If the Gasser craze fades, slam it and return to your roots. Photo doc everything and keep it forever. One day, you'll hand the car down with all the stories that go with it. It's yours, enjoy it.
Oh yea ... the very thing i've been thinking about for the last six months. Which this, which that, but in the end do what will ultimately make you the happiest
Nope, no current pics. The beauty of the Yblock would be that it would end up in the little roadster (that I'll probably never build!). I figure it would have enough power for a little roadster and the Y block would be on display for all to enjoy...the SBC would stay hidden, for the most part. Checking out the latest poll results is exactly how my daydreams go...50/50 and my opinion changes by the day.... Here is a pic from a couple years ago...the caps and skirts are in the shed and the red wheels are now black...I believe it's a bit lower in the front and back, too.
If it were mine I would look for a 427 or 428/429, a 55 seems to new to have the universal street rod engine. (I'm a GM guy) later
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