Weighing all the options - 35 Ford engine replacement

X2 on this.

If you are a relative newcomer to hot rod building I'd second the suggestion that you take the simple bolt-in route on your first project.

A nice little Chevy will give you much better performance than a flathead and mounts/adaptors abound both new and used.

A low-torque early 283 won't overtax the early Ford driveline as long as you use restraint in your driving technique. And, if you look around you can probably find a good used one for free!

Rebuild the stock steering and switch to later Ford "juice brakes" and you're on the road...cheap and easy.

Just go easy on the "loud pedal"...and keep a few rear axle keys in the glove box. Words of experience...

Just my $.02

 

My 36 had a 265 sbc in 59...with a 56 chevy rear end with 36 ford sping hangers mounted to the original 36 rear spring.
Same rear end set up I have now.

 

How about a baby hemi?????????????????

 

no hemi - sorry - I am most likely going to go with Hydraulic brakes - a buddy of mine has the full set up and he never used it so we are working out a trade on those so it wont be a cost issue.......

I am going to take out this orig. motor and see how much work it needs - then go from there........I really hope to just get the original fired up - but I dont have a good feeling about it..............

 

Just a heads up on the 8ba.
I’m putting one in my 35 right now and Im finding that none of the 8ba pans (I have them all) will give me sufficient oil pan to tie rod clearance. Im going to notch my truck pan to make it work.
If you don’t plan on lowering its probably not a problem.

 

I'd peddle that ***** like Fred Flintstone before I'd put a SBC in it .. just me ..

 

59 will go in much easier than an 8BA, not just pan but front accessory length will be better.
There was just a long discussion, maybe a week ago, on putting in a Chevy without cutting in a '36.

 

WTF??!!?? I can't believe you said it either. Too bad you did...

 

49 - 54 CADILLAC will bolt right in. Starter in on correct side. That is the right side. Same as the flathead. Will not interfere with steering. Just a flat adapter plate will bolt it up to your ******. And if you don't plan to race it will be strong enough. Your hardest problem is a flywheel and I see them frequently on ebay.$2to$300bucks. You'll be the hit of every rod run and double or tripple the flathead H.P.

 

Like the ultra-rare "Ford Experimental OHV" in my '38 Ford pickup (thinly disguised 307 Chevy painted Ford flathead green), Ford emblems and "Experimental OHV" on the valve covers. Complete with **** and bull story (including an intake manifold designed by Ford engineer Ed L. Brock). I've had people swallow the story hook, line, and sinker.

 

Sbc is still your best chioce

 

I'd sell you my 21 stud to get a 24 stud.

 

hey - thanks for that info 296

long term is to lower it - but that is YEARS down the road.......

 

OK. I take it back. I must have been drinking the Kool-Aid that day.

 

I vote for a flatty. the original flatty might not be the best choice, but I would try to see if you can get it running. I think that it looks like a good start.

 

I see somebody finally set the record straight re the starter on an early Cad.

Does everything else fit OK on the Cad to '35 swap? Firewall? I know the pan should clear everything.