Projects 1940 Ford Convertible now with 303 Olds(updated 11-12-2022)

Out with the old

 

The "new" awaits
1950 Olds 303

 

This is just prior to me removing the flywheel to have surfaced, I got a little over rambunctious and it took a nose dive..Damn if it didn't break the crank pulley.
Aware that @Paul is into these Olds engines, and he's fairly close by, I pm'd him, to see if he might have one.
He ended up making me a sweet deal on a core engine (Thanks again Paul), so I was back in business.

 

I opted for the Wilcap adaptor plate, mounting the Ford 3 speed to the Olds.
The pilot bushings OD was a bit oversize, so I turned it down to the proper diameter (no lathe, I used a file with the bushing rotating in the drill press).

 

I had the original Olds 3 spd trans. but elected to use the Ford 3 spd as this car shifted so smooth, and didn't want to fix something that wasn't broken.
I used the Olds stock 11" pressure plate, with an 11" Ford truck disc.

 

Wow love it

 

There's a slight interference at the cowl, the top of the transmission tunnel requires it to be trimmed to install the Olds.
Also the forward shift linkage arm (stock '4o Ford 3 spd column) interferes with the block, I could have bent the rod to clear, but elected to just cut/grind a small bit of the block for it to clear.

 

Engine /trans now installed in the car.
Nice fit, using the Hurst mounts.
I used the Ross starter, no clearance issues.
I still have exhaust to fabricate, carb linkage, mount the radiator, etc.
After I get a few miles on this, I'll probably search out a triple deuce intake and carbs, not that I intend it to be a power house, I just like the look.

 

Nice job!

 

My drill press gets "creatively" used as well. That Olds fits in there nice!

 

You even have the cool long can Olds air cleaner!

 

According to the previous owner the engine came out of a restored car, that the owner wanted to switch out to an LS..yeah, I know.

 

Very cool!

 

Looking good.

 

Rad!

 

Best way to get good deals on engines these days. I recently bought a complete good running y-block because the owner was swapping to a late model engine in his 57 Ford wagon.

 

More cool than the law allows.

 

So says the guy who picked up A Flathead the other day. Some guy was putting an Olds motor in his Ford.

 

Yeah, I get it, the restorers will always wonder "why he couldn't leave it well enough alone".
Bottom line, as car people we do what suits us (as it should be)..be it the traditionally inspired build, or the current Street Rodder build.
We all will agree that we don't agree.

 

It could bring your front down. Those first gen overheads are heavy mfs.

 

But the Flathead will end up in a Model A. It seems like everybody wants a little more horsepower. As it should be.

 

Agreed, I considered that, as near as I can tell the Flatheads come in around 530lbs-570lbs with cast iron heads, the Olds around 710lbs, so a difference of approx. 140lbs to 180lbs.
I've had it on the ground, it is about 1/2" lower, but that is without Hood, radiator, coolant, etc., so it'll be interesting..adjustments may need to be made.

 

What for fuel pump are you using? Looks like it just fits.

 

Reminds me of an old pal of mine's 40 Ford p u with a J-2 in it....frightning !!!! But so fast & cool.

 

It's ***e, I got the information from the Olds engine thread
I used the AC #41209 '78+ Buick Skylarks
Carter equivalent #M6951
Airtex equivalent #41209 same as AC

 

Thanks, I have plans to replace the flathead in my 39 pickup with a 303 olds. Nice to see a stock fuel pump will work with out going electric.

 

Thanks for the link to this. Car looks great in maroon and I bet it will scoot along with the extra 50+hp.