I am still considering what to repower my 53 stude with as I suspect the original motor may be toast ,I know purest will hate me but I have a 312 completely rebuilt and the fordo out of a 57 Tbird sense this is a budget operation and I love the sound of a Y block with glass packs I cannot use the original stude trans with the Y was wondering how feasible and difficult a swap this might be, the tbird has the side stabilizer mounts ,and lower generator mounts ,I really want to use a old school engine and use up what I have already thoughts on this besides I shouldn't do it lol
Nothing to add of any value other than please make sure the old mill lands with another Stude guy to pick clean and distribute the random bits to those in need. I think I would start by comparing oil pan shapes. The Stude v8 is pretty dang wide so I don’t think you’ll run into many issues in that department
FWIW, you can put the car side mounts on and remove the bird front mount. Probably even leave the bird/truck front cover on. That complicates the exhaust a little, depending on the driver side clearance (typically the steering). The pans are easy to change, just get the oil pump pickup tube with the pan. The bird pan is worth some money, more than a truck or car pan. Being a Yblock guy, it sounds good to me. Pun intended.
What BJR said... If your Ford has a front sump oil pan...not gonna work. If you can put a rear sump oil pan on it, you'll have a better chance of the engine fitting. The crappy Studebaker steering is MUCH in the way. Many engines will fit, as long as they'll clear the steering. There's a guy in San Diego that has a GM, 348 in his 54 coupe. There was a guy...way back, that put a Chrysler, 392 Hemi in his brand new, 59 Lark. There's a guy in Sweden that put a 318 (?) Chrysler in his 54 Sedan. Or...build a hot rod Stude engine !? Have fun with your project. Mike
Good luck with your project ! Personally I think it would be cool to see that y-block sitting under the hood. If you decide to go that route be sure to do a build thread, I'd love to see how it goes ! And maybe it will either inspire or help the next guy out that wants to try doing it.... ...
Since you're in Pennsylvania, Hershey is near you, so lots of old iron is available. If you're not looking to go real fast, I'd find a good used 289 Studebaker V8 take out from a rust victim. It's a rugged old school engine that makes a bit over 200 HP and literally bolts into your car. Lots of old Stude guys have these things laying around. Join the SDC, get on the forums and post your quest. I'd be shocked if a good candidate couldn't be found in short order. This way, you won't get flamed by the Stude faithful and it would help the car's value-unlike the Y block idea.
You will need a rear sump pan, and side mounts. Exhaust is an issue with the steering as well. It should be similar to an SBC swap issue wise
If you want to stay Studebaker, I have a couple of 259ci engines that are getting in my way and would love to find a new home
See what I mean? Stude engines are out there, many needing little attention to drop in, because they're almost indestructible!
If your 312 is a real T-Bird engine, you should take the water pump cast iron spacer out. It will cool better. You will have to get different pulleys from a passenger car so everything will line up. Makes the engine about 1" shorter also.
I like the concept. Anybody can put a Ford in a Ford, Chevy in a Chevy and so on. Hot rodding is all about adapting.
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