I've got a 59 edsel with a tired Y block. In weighing my options it seems a swap might be a bit more economical than rebuilding the ol Y (not to mention more power and trans options). I have decided on an FE swap, either a 360 or a 390 with c6. The swap seems pretty straight foward, as far as engine mounts ect. It seems like it will fall in as swaps go. However the cheapest 360s and 390s I'm finding are in 70s era trucks and I want to stay with the late 50s early 60s mild kustom look. So my plan was to dress up the later FE as a 361/E400 edsel motor. The first thing I am noticing is that if I run the valve covers I will have to get a intake manifold with valley oil filler. So my question is, If I get the earlier manifold will it bolt up to the later fe? Also as extra credit any info you might have as to issues I might run into with the oil pan sump, exhaust manifolds or trans cross member would would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
The early intake will fit all FE's, no matter the years. The thing you have to be carefull on is the heads. High riser and Tunnel port heads will only accept high riser or tunnel port intakes (you won't have to worry about that with 360 or 390 truck heads). The other problem with a mid 70's truck motor (either 360 or 390) is that they are very anemic low compression motors. The blocks and cranks make very good cores, but plan on replacing all other moving parts if you want a strong motor. I don't think the oil sump will be a problem, if you go with a car style pan and pickup assembly. Don't use the exhaust manifolds, invest in a good set of headers, FE manifolds are very restrictive (with the exception of the mid 60's style cast headers). You will have to modify the trans crossmember to some extent depending on what trans you choose. It may be as simple as an adaptor plate. Check out the Ford FE forum, more FE info then you can shake a stick at. http://www.network54.com/Forum/74182/
I think the truck block will do me fine. I'm not too worried about performance. More or less I want a saturday night cruiser. I'm looking for more style than performance though a little low end torque would be fun. I think the relibility of the truck block with the edsel E400 dress up will fit my needs just fine.
The FE truck motor will have plenty of low end grunt, just don't plan on setting any land speed records without major work.
It is usually a pretty large leap in performance between a 360 and a 390 so if you have the option always go with the 390. A 390 will usually also get some better fuel mileage also? Notice I did not say "Fuel Economy"
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