Rear sump Olds in a 54 Merc

Hi. Almost ready to try and drop the 403 rear sump Olds into my 54 Merc. I think swaps like this used to be done all the time and was wondering the best way to deal with the oil pan. The Merc has power steering which is coming off to make a little more room for the pan. I can either modify the pan or the firewall or a little of both. The starter (on the left side) should clear the stock steering box. Suggestions from guys that have done a similar swap would really be appreciated. Thanks.

Moon56

 

Have not personally done this swap but back in the '60's I had several friends who put '50's Olds engines in early '50's Fords and Mercs. Seems, if my memory serves correct, that they used some aftermarket mounts (or welded up their own) and for oil pan issues they used a dropped tie rod link. Haven't seen those in a while although I heard that FatMan Fabrications in Charlotte still had them. Also seem to remember some cutting to clear the GM bellhousing had to be done. Hopefully some other HAMBers can provide some better detailed info than this. Good Luck!

(PS: Tex Smith has a book on shoebox Fords and Mercs: How to build shoebox Fords and Mercs (ISBN 0879384786). Been helpful to me.

 

It's funny you should mention Tex Smiths book. Some guy keeps selling them on ebay for more than they cost by saying they're out of print, but the book shows up in my latest Speedway catalog.

I don't think I'd want to use a dropped center link, be afraid of catching it on something, but I'll check Fatmans out to see what they've got. I tried finding Olds front sump pans but didn't have any luck. I'm almost ready to pull the y block that's in it, then I can really get a good idea of what's gonna fit where.

What kind of Stude do you have?

Thanks
Moon56

 

No sarcasm at all, but that Merc is asking for a FoMoCo engine. Anything else is A-LOT tougher to swap. I'm sure a rear sump GM engine can be done but why go through all the aggrivation of defeating the engine bay configuration as it is now? A nice Y, FE or Windsor will drop in with minimal headaches and I'm sure they will serve you well.

 

Hey what the hell are ya talking about? Just kidding. Everybody's en***led to their own opinion. There's nothing wrong with Ford motors but I don't happen to have a good running one w/trannie sitting in my garage, and I have a ton of gm/Chevy parts. Since I retired I've been alot more careful with my money. Can't go work overtime to buy parts anymore but now I have more time to fab stuff which is way more fun than just opening my wallet and buying stuff. I'm not junking the Y and 3sps w/od that I'm pulling out. I've got a 39 pu cab and bed (future project) that I might build into a fenderless rod and I thought it would be kinda neat to use the Y and trannie in it. When's the last time you saw a Y in a rod?

Later
Moon56

 

how about a pan and pickup off a late 70's toronado with a 350 or a diesel? if memory serves me i believe they had a front or mid sump[can't remember exactly] but it might be worth a look at the junkyard. hope this helps

 

i havent done it but when i thought about running a rocket olds in a 50 ford i talked to one of the "ive done it a million times" guys and dropped center link relocation to the p*** side which are near impossible to find now

keep us posted on this swap sounds like you have something going there

 

Weld tubing into the pan and let the drag link run right through it (as long as it misses the pump/pickup, and better be a damn good welder)?